Tomato Rice Soup

Imagine you’re coming home after a long day, and the aroma of Tomato Rice Soup wafts through the kitchen, instantly lifting your spirits. This comforting dish not only warms you up but also offers a healthy balance of nutrients. As you stir the pot, you might wonder how this simple recipe has evolved over time and what variations can elevate its flavors. What unique twists could transform this classic into something even more special?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you immerse yourself in this Tomato Rice Soup recipe, you’ll discover a comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

This soup contains essential vitamins like vitamin C and E, which support your immune system and skin health. With about 280 calories in a homemade version, you get a great balance of carbs, fats, and proteins. Additionally, the soup is a good source of potassium and vitamin A, both of which are important for heart and vision health.

Plus, the fiber from the tomatoes and wild rice helps keep your digestion on track. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making it versatile for any taste.

History

Tomato rice soup has a rich and fascinating history that traces back to the early 19th century. The first published recipe for tomato soup appeared in 1832 in N. K. M. Lee’s The Cook’s Own Book.

However, many Americans avoided tomatoes, believing they were poisonous, until Eliza Leslie’s recipe in 1857 made the dish more popular. By 1897, Campbell Soup Company introduced condensed tomato soup, further boosting its fame.

Meanwhile, tomatoes gained importance in Italian cuisine during the 18th century, symbolizing national pride. As Italian immigrants spread their culinary traditions, tomatoes also found their way into Chinese dishes, evolving from a Western novelty to a beloved ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, including in the comforting tomato rice soup you enjoy today. Tomato soup’s evolution reflects changing culinary trends and cultural acceptance over time.

Recipe

Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

Tomato Rice Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. With its vibrant tomato base and hearty rice, this soup not only warms you up but also delights your taste buds. The combination of sautéed green onions and garlic creates a fragrant foundation, while the addition of rice and tomatoes provides a satisfying texture. This recipe utilizes pantry staples for convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy days.

Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this soup is a versatile and nourishing option. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of rice or add in vegetables for extra nutrition. The soup is also an excellent way to use up pantry staples, making it an economical choice for families and individuals alike.

Now, let’s gather the ingredients and get started on this delicious Tomato Rice Soup.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 green onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, and dried basil, mixing well to combine the flavors.
3. Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes until the rice is well coated with the oil and combined with the aromatics.
4. Mix in the tomato paste and sugar, followed by the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened.
6. Before serving, verify that the internal temperature of the soup reaches at least 165°F for safety. Remove any bay leaves if used, and adjust seasoning with freshly cracked pepper according to taste.

Extra Tips:

For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before serving. Additionally, if you prefer a smooth consistency, you can substitute diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes.

Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it even heartier!

Final Thoughts

Although many people might think of tomato soup as a simple comfort food, it can offer so much more—both in flavor and nutrition. This dish has a rich history, evolving from skepticism to a beloved staple in various cuisines around the globe.

Nutritionally, a cup of tomato rice soup provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a beneficial addition to your diet. Whether you choose a commercial option like Campbell’s or whip up a homemade version, you can enjoy the adaptability of this soup. Additionally, this dish is naturally vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

It’s easy to customize with local ingredients or favorite herbs, ensuring every bowl is unique. Embrace the versatility of tomato rice soup, and let it inspire your culinary creativity!

FAQ

If you’re curious about making tomato rice soup or have some questions about it, you’re not alone.

Cooking time usually ranges from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the rice type you use. You can choose brown, white, basmati, or wild rice.

For tomatoes, consider canned crushed, puree, or smooth whole tomatoes. You’ll need 28-42 ounces of tomatoes and 2-4 cups of broth, like vegetable or chicken.

When sautéing, cook onions and garlic for 3-8 minutes.

To store leftovers, keep them in the fridge and reheat over medium-low heat. Remember to verify the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Additionally, this soup is freezer-friendly, allowing you to enjoy it later by freezing for up to 3 months.

With these tips, you’re set to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup!

Tomato Rice Soup

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• - 3 green onions chopped
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 teaspoon salt
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
• - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• - 1 teaspoon sugar
• - 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• - Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cooking Instructions:
• In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they're fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the salt, garlic powder, and dried basil, mixing well to combine the flavors.
• Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot, sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes until the rice is well coated with the oil and combined with the aromatics.
• Mix in the tomato paste and sugar, followed by the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened.
• Before serving, verify that the internal temperature of the soup reaches at least 165°F for safety. Remove any bay leaves if used, and adjust seasoning with freshly cracked pepper according to taste.