Cool Tomato Soup with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €7.70 · €1.92/serving

• 3 ripe vine-ripened tomatoes, with cores removed and roughly diced (blanch and peel for a smoother texture)"Est. price €0.90–€2.10
• ,"1 sleek seedless European cucumber, deseeded and roughly chopped (leave some skin on for color and texture)"Est. price €0.60–€1.50
• ,"1 vibrant crimson bell pepper, with core and seeds discarded, roughly chopped (roast for a smoky flavor)"Est. price €1.20–€2.50
• ,"1 verdant bell pepper or spicy poblano chile, with core and seeds removed, roughly chopped (char under broiler for added depth)"Est. price €0.80–€1.80
• ,"1 aromatic onion, preferably sweet Vidalia variety, roughly chopped (soak in cold water for a milder flavor)"Est. price €0.40–€0.90
• ,"1 slender carrot, chopped into small pieces (sauté briefly for enhanced sweetness)"Est. price €0.15–€0.35
• ,"1 crisp stalk of celery, chopped finely (reserve some leaves for garnish)"Est. price €0.20–€0.50
• ,"Juice extracted from 1/2 of a fresh lemon, with more available if needed (strain to remove any seeds)"Est. price €0.25–€0.60
• ,"1 teaspoon of the robust Worcestershire sauce (use a quality brand for best flavor)"Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• ,"1/4 teaspoon of fiery cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for desired heat level)"Est. price €0.01–€0.03

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by pureeing the tomatoes in a food processor or blender until they reach a very smooth consistency. Transfer the tomato puree into a large nonreactive bowl. Proceed to puree the cucumber, red and green bell peppers, onion, carrot, and celery until smooth. If your mixing vessel is not spacious enough, you can blend the vegetables in batches. Combine the pureed vegetables with the tomato mixture and mix well. Introduce the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper into the vegetable mixture. If the soup appears too thick, adjust by adding tomato juice until reaching the desired consistency. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together thoroughly before serving chilled.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, mix together the crème fraîche and tarragon. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper to season the mixture. Keep it aside for later use.

3. 3

   Before serving, ensure the soup is seasoned to your liking with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon juice. Transfer the soup into bowls that have been chilled beforehand. Finish by drizzling olive oil over each portion and adding a small spoonful of seasoned crème fraîche on top. Serve promptly for best enjoyment.

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• Cultural note

  Tomato soup is a classic dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. The addition of fresh herbs and vegetables in this recipe adds a modern twist to the traditional soup, highlighting the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients for a flavorful outcome.

• Seasonal note

  Cool Tomato Soup with Fresh Herbs is best made during the summer months when tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and fresh herbs are in season for optimal flavor and freshness.

• Health note

  This soup is a nutritious choice, providing a good amount of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K. It is relatively low in calories but contains healthy fats from olive oil. The dish is a source of antioxidants and may support heart health.