| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 7g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 4g | 3g | 0.4g |
I’d like to introduce you to a personal favourite of mine that’s steeped in health and diverse flavours – the Goji Berry and Tomato Soup. This dish brings together the vibrant influences of the Pacific Northwest, with a touch of eastern mystique drawn from the cherished goji berries popular in my Asian heritage.
Just glance at its ruby-red hue, courtesy of fresh goji berries and ripe tomatoes, and you’re transported to a world where two unique culinary traditions merge, creating a symphony of taste.
The Health Kick of Goji Berries
One can’t discuss this soup without talking about its star ingredient: goji berries. Known as a superfruit of longevity in traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins that may aid the body in its fight against disease and aging. They sit majestically in this recipe, adding subtlety to its sharp tomato base and combining beautifully with the various other ingredients to bring out a wealth of indulgent flavour.
Embracing Fusion Cuisine
The beauty of this Goji Berry and Tomato Soup lies not just in being a unique concoction of varied ingredients but in its ability to embrace an essence of fusion cuisine. It treads on lines similar to a classic tomato bisque but brings a refreshingly vibrant twist. Its tasteful complexity makes it a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a stand-alone or as an accompaniment to a range of entrees like roasted veggies or simply a crusty slice of bread.
With hearty olive oil, aromatic garlic, the soft crunch of onions, and the robust flavours of tomatoes, this soup takes you on a journey of gastronomy that’s harmoniously soothing and intriguing. The undercurrent of sea-salt and pepper enhance those rich flavours while the inclusion of fresh basil leaves and indulgent heavy cream adds a touch of luxe and depth.
This Goji Berry and Tomato Soup is more than just a recipe. It’s a tribute to the enduring spirit and versatility of cuisine that knows no borders. It’s a testament to food as a language of love and blending cultures, serving as a reminder of how beautifully different elements can come together to create something memorable.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh goji berries
- 6 large tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 quart of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
Method
Step One
Prepare the ingredients by rinsing the goji berries under cool water and cutting the tomatoes into quarters. Peel and chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes transparent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Add the prepared goji berries and tomato quarters into the pot. Stir everything together allowing the tomatoes to start breaking down and the goji berries to soften.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable broth, and season with sea salt and ground black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for around 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are fully broken down.
Step Five
Remove the soup from the heat and carefully transfer it to a blender. Puree the soup in batches until smooth. Return the soup back to the pot after each batch is pureed.
Step Six
Add freshly chopped basil leaves to the soup and stir to combine. If you want a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream at this point.
Step Seven
Once everything is mixed together, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your delicious Goji Berry and Tomato Soup is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
