There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of home-cooked Tomato Florentine Soup, especially when the air outside is crisp and chilly. This delightful recipe captures the essence of autumn, combining fresh ingredients with Italian flair to deliver a soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants from the fresh tomatoes and spinach, it’s a wholesome dish that brings warmth to any meal.
Growing up, Sunday evenings were reserved for soup nights in my household. I fondly recall gathering around the kitchen with my family, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. My grandmother would often let me stir the pot and sneak a taste now and then. Her secret touch? A sprinkle of love and a hint of crushed red pepper, which somehow always made everything she cooked a tad more special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Florentine Soup is the epitome of comfort food with numerous highlights:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: A perfect blend of tomatoes and spinach, rich in nutrients and flavor.
- Family Approved: A touch of Italian seasoning makes it appealing to both adults and kids alike.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt for vegetarians and meat-lovers.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients it calls for. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Tomatoes: Fresh Roma tomatoes work best for this recipe, but canned crushed tomatoes can be a convenient substitute.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and well-drained.
- Herbs and Spices: Dried Italian herbs lend the traditional flavors, but fresh basil can be a delightful addition for garnish.
- Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a deeper flavor.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Sauté a finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2
Add diced Roma tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to break down.
Step 3
Stir in vegetable or chicken broth, along with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5
Add fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Storage Options
Leftover Tomato Florentine Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For extended storage, consider freezing the soup in individual portions—perfect for a quick lunch. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, to maintain the soup’s texture and flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- For a creamy twist, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Incorporate protein by adding cooked chicken or cannellini beans.
- For added heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier green soup option.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Florentine Soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light lunch.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan? Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and steer clear of any cream-based add-ins unless they are plant-based. The natural flavors of the tomatoes and spinach are delightful on their own.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the spinach, or stir in a bit of tomato paste during cooking. For a creamy consistency, blending the entire batch and then returning it to the pot can work wonders.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Opt for canned crushed tomatoes for the best consistency, and taste-test for sweetness as canned varieties can differ.
Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can
- 1 cup spinach fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach and let it cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
