| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 172 | 10g | 3.5g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 5g | 0.6g |
Every now and then I stumble upon a recipe that encapsulates my culinary journey and passion in each spoonful, one such dish is the Wild Thyme and Tomato Soup. This vibrant and delightful dish is reminiscent of my childhood, spent in sunny California, where the taste of farm-fresh tomatoes was an everyday joy.
A Cultural Melting Pot in a Bowl
Incorporating the West Coast’s love for bountiful produce and incorporating elements from my Gujarati heritage, this soup recipe is a true example of an Indian-American fusion. As in our household, where my husband Faisal and our two sons relish the flavors of both worlds, this dish harmoniously balances between two culinary traditions. It’s a nourishing, heartwarming creation that not just pleases the palate but also feeds the soul.
When Health Meets Taste
The Wild Thyme and Tomato Soup is not just satiating but also nutrient-dense. Tomatoes are a superb source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. They are also rich in an antioxidant called lycopene, which is linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer [source]. Adding to this, the olive oil in our recipe provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health. And let’s not forget the thyme, known for its antibacterial properties and potential health benefits [source].
Like many of my recipes, this one doesn’t skimp on the taste or nutrition front and strikes a delicate balance between the two. A balance not so different from the one I try to strike in my everyday life, between my Californian upbringing and Gujarati roots, as demonstrated in this Wild Thyme and Tomato Soup.
Culinary Companions and Pairings
This soup pairs incredibly well with a range of dishes. Consider savoring it along with a crunchy Caesar salad or a rustic grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying lunch or dinner. With its rich and vibrant flavors, it mirrors the hearty, wholesome stews that often make their appearance in traditional Gujarati meals. Likewise, its fresh tang maintains the laid-back feel of a Californian alfresco style dining experience [source].
Ultimately, the delicious combination of tomatoes, wild thyme, and comforting cream with a hint of fresh basil, makes this soup a culinary endeavor worth sharing. Here’s to creating something that truly embodies the Indian-American fusion I hold close to my heart!
What You’ll Need
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>1 large onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped</li>
<li>2 cups vegetable broth</li>
<li>1 tablespoon fresh wild thyme, minced</li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>1/2 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped</li>
</ul>
Method
<h3>Step One</h3>
Start by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Then add in the chopped large onion and minced garlic. Continue to cook these until they become soft and aromatic.
<h3>Step Two</h3>
Add the 4 cups of fresh, chopped tomatoes into the pot and stir everything thoroughly so that the tomatoes mix well with the cooked onion and garlic.
<h3>Step Three</h3>
Pour the 2 cups of vegetable broth into the pot. Stir this through the mixture, making sure everything is well combined.
<h3>Step Four</h3>
Add the tablespoon of fresh wild thyme to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir this all through, then let it cook together for a good 15-20 minutes. You want all the flavors to have time to blend together.
<h3>Step Five</h3>
Once everything has been cooking for a while, add the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir it through. This will add a nice, creamy texture to your soup!
<h3>Step Six</h3>
The final step in this recipe is to add the 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped basil to the pot. Stir this through the soup, allowing it to cook for another couple of minutes. Once this is done, your Wild Thyme and Tomato Soup is ready to serve and enjoy!
