Are you ready to elevate your soup game with a dish that’s both comforting and packed with hidden goodness? Introducing the "Hidden Veg Tomato Soup with Gruyere and Bacon Croutons"—a delightful Italian recipe that not only warms your soul but also sneaks in a bounty of vegetables for a nutritious twist. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a velvety smooth soup that’s bursting with flavor and topped with crispy, savory bacon croutons. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself making this a weekly staple. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 slices of bread, for croutons
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. This will help them cook uniformly and blend well into the soup.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the mixture for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the slices of bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the crumbled bacon with the bread cubes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the bread and bacon mixture, then toss to coat evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the croutons for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even browning.
- After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Just be sure to allow it to cool slightly before blending.
- Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, return it to the pot and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, topped with the crispy bacon croutons.
- Enjoy your Hidden Veg Tomato Soup with Gruyere and Bacon Croutons, a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process even smoother, chop your vegetables ahead of time. This way, you can focus on the cooking and enjoy the process without any last-minute chopping.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. The beauty of this soup is that you can tailor it to your family's preferences while keeping the flavors intact.
- Perfect Croutons: For extra flavor, consider seasoning your croutons with garlic powder or Italian herbs before baking. This will add an irresistible crunch to your soup.
- Blending Tips: If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to a countertop blender. This prevents any splattering and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Cheese Variations: While Gruyere adds a wonderful richness, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with a side salad or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
