| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 225 | 16g | 7g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 3g | 5g | 1.5g |
Every time I make the Cubeb Pepper and Tomato Soup, it feels like a warm hug from my roots. Growing up in New Jersey, my Italian-American family always centered mealtimes around hearty, flavorful dishes. Naturally, my inspiration in the kitchen comes from the traditions passed down by my grandparents. This soup, in particular, brings back a flood of family memories and tantalizes the taste buds in a completely unique way. The combination of ripe tomatoes and the exotic cubeb pepper creates a symphony of flavors that go beyond the usual tomato soup.
A Unique Twist with Cubeb Pepper
The star of this soup is unquestionably the cubeb pepper, an ingredient that might not be a staple in everyone’s pantry but makes a world of difference. Known for its aromatic, slightly bitter, and peppery taste, cubeb pepper elevates the familiar comfort of tomato soup into something extraordinary. You can learn more about this amazing spice and its culinary uses here.
Health Benefits Galore
This recipe isn’t just a flavor powerhouse; it’s also packed with nutritional value. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that’s been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. The vegetable broth adds another layer of nutrients, while olive oil brings healthy fats to the table. Garlic and onions are well-known for their immune-boosting properties. The addition of fresh basil and parsley not only brightens the dish but also provides essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, the Cubeb Pepper and Tomato Soup should be at the top of your list.
Perfect Pairings and Similar Dishes
This soup is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside a slice of crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. It’s also an excellent starter for a more elaborate Italian meal, perhaps followed by a hearty plate of spaghetti and meatballs or a delicious lasagna. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other tomato-based recipes, such as a robust tomato basil soup or a zesty gazpacho.
Creating this soup feels like bringing a piece of my heritage into the present day. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a chilly evening or simply want to try a new twist on an old favorite, this recipe offers a delightful experience that resonates with both tradition and innovation.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cubeb pepper, ground
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic and ground cubeb pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the diced tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and released their juices.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step Five
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step Six
Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step Seven
Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves, chopped fresh parsley, and balsamic vinegar. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step Eight
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Cubeb Pepper and Tomato Soup!
