Fridheimar Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is a dish that transcends seasons, moods, and even culinary traditions. It’s comforting, it’s nostalgic, and it can range from light and tangy to thick and hearty. But there’s a special version of tomato soup that stands out: Fridheimar Tomato Soup. If you’ve never heard of Fridheimar, you’re missing out on one of the most unique and flavorful experiences the world of tomatoes has to offer.

Fridheimar is a greenhouse farm located in Iceland, famous for its exceptional, flavorful tomatoes. It’s not just any farm – it’s a place that grows tomatoes year-round in a sustainable, eco-friendly environment using geothermal energy. They’ve turned their love for tomatoes into something truly special, and their tomato soup has gained a cult following. Whether you’ve been to Iceland or simply heard of this wonderful soup, this recipe brings that iconic flavor to your own kitchen.

Let’s dive into what makes Fridheimar Tomato Soup so special and how you can recreate it at home.

This recipe is a delightful homage to the Fridheimar Tomato Soup, capturing all the sweetness, richness, and depth of flavor that makes it so beloved. With its creamy texture and rich tomato flavor, it’s no surprise this soup is a crowd favorite. Let’s break down everything you need to make this delicious dish!

Ingredients Needed

To make this luscious tomato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Fresh ripe tomatoes: About 6-8 medium-sized, or 3-4 large, depending on the size and juiciness. You can use any variety you like, but heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes work best.
Butter: 2 tablespoons. It adds a rich, creamy base that will enhance the tomato’s natural sweetness.
Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped. It gives the soup a mild, sweet flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic elevates the depth of the soup, offering a hint of warmth and earthiness.
Carrot: 1 small, peeled and finely grated. The carrot adds a subtle sweetness and helps mellow out the tanginess of the tomatoes.
Tomato paste: 1-2 tablespoons. This is key for concentrating the tomato flavor and adding a thicker texture.
Vegetable broth: 3-4 cups. The broth is the liquid that will bring everything together, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup. This creates that signature creamy texture that makes this soup feel luxurious.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional). If your tomatoes are a little too acidic, a touch of sugar can balance the flavors.
Salt and pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings are essential for bringing out the depth of flavor in the soup.
Fresh basil: A handful of leaves, chopped or whole. Basil brings freshness and a herby punch to complement the tomatoes.

Cooking Instructions

The process of making this soup is straightforward and relatively quick. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Prepare your ingredients: Start by washing and chopping the tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can remove the skins and seeds, but that’s optional. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and grate the carrot. This step helps everything cook evenly.
Sauté the base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Add the garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, followed by the tomato paste. Stir everything together, ensuring the paste coats the tomatoes well. Allow this to cook down for about 10 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
Simmer with broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
Blend: Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have combined, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Return the soup to the pot.
Finish with cream and seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream, and taste the soup. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting the balance to your liking.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil and a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a critical role in creating the well-rounded, satisfying flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look:

Tomatoes: Naturally, tomatoes are the star of this recipe. Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the soup with its sweet, tangy, and vibrant base. Tomatoes vary in flavor depending on the variety, so pick the ripest ones available for the best outcome.
Butter: The fat from the butter contributes to the smooth texture and richness of the soup, making each spoonful velvety and indulgent. It also enhances the overall flavor of the tomatoes without overpowering them.
Carrot: Though subtle, the carrot balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a slight sweetness, making the soup more rounded and approachable.
Heavy cream: This adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup, transforming it into something more luxurious and satisfying, while mellowing out the tangy tomato base.
Basil: The fresh basil not only adds color but its fragrant herbal notes cut through the richness of the soup, giving it a fresh, aromatic finish.

Expert Tips

Roasting the tomatoes: If you want a deeper, more intense tomato flavor, try roasting your tomatoes first. Toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 400°F. This caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, adding an extra layer of richness.
Balancing acidity: Tomatoes can sometimes be acidic, especially if they’re not super ripe. If your soup tastes too tart, add a small pinch of sugar or a spoonful of honey to balance out that acidity.
Blending the soup: For a smoother texture, you can strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining bits of tomato skin or seeds. This step is optional but helps create a silky-smooth consistency.
Add some heat: If you like a little spice, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions or blend in a fresh chili to the soup for a kick.

Recipe Variations

The Fridheimar Tomato Soup is versatile, and you can easily customize it based on your tastes:

Spicy Tomato Soup: Add some fresh or dried chilies to the sautéed onions for a spicy kick. You can also add a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a vegan version. Use olive oil in place of butter.
Cheese Lover’s Tomato Soup: For an extra cheesy twist, stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella as you blend the soup. You can also sprinkle cheese on top just before serving.
Herb-Infused Tomato Soup: Try infusing the soup with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an herbal depth. Add them during the simmering stage and strain them out before serving.
Tomato Basil Bisque: Add a dash of white wine and a little bit of flour to make this soup into a bisque-like texture. The flour helps thicken it without relying too much on cream.

Final Words

Making a bowl of Fridheimar Tomato Soup is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating an experience. With its simplicity yet rich flavors, this soup can be a warm, satisfying meal any time of the year. The beautiful blend of fresh tomatoes, butter, garlic, and cream creates something that is both comforting and decadent.

Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or something to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The ability to customize the soup with different seasonings or variations makes it versatile, while the foundational ingredients keep the recipe grounded in tradition.

Fridheimar Tomato Soup Recipe