Culver’s Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever walked into a Culver’s restaurant, you know the delightful experience of their creamy and comforting soups. One standout in their lineup is their Tomato Florentine Soup, a perfect balance of rich tomato flavor with a velvety smooth texture, all complemented by spinach and a touch of cream. It’s the kind of dish that’s just made for chilly weather or whenever you’re craving something both hearty and wholesome. Today, we’re going to dive deep into how you can recreate this comforting soup at home, so you can enjoy it whenever you want, without having to leave your kitchen. Ready to make your own version of this classic? Let’s get started!

Culver’s Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe

This is not just any tomato soup – it’s a luxurious, thick, creamy soup that combines the acidity of tomatoes with the richness of cream and the earthiness of spinach. Florentine-style dishes typically include spinach, and in this soup, that ingredient really shines. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and a touch of elegance. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for serving with a side of warm, buttery bread or a crispy grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients Needed

To make Culver’s-inspired Tomato Florentine Soup, you’ll need the following:

• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
• Yellow Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic Cloves – 2, minced. Garlic gives that classic, aromatic undertone.
• Canned Tomatoes (Crushed or Diced) – 2 (14.5-ounce) cans. These form the base of your soup, bringing that rich tomato flavor.
• Vegetable Broth – 4 cups. This adds the necessary liquid to balance the soup’s thickness.
• Spinach (Fresh or Frozen) – 4 cups. Fresh spinach is preferred for texture, but frozen works just as well if you’re in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup. This will make the soup luxuriously creamy and velvety.
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional). Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt & Pepper – to taste. Essential for seasoning the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup, grated (for garnish and flavor).
• Dried Basil – 1 teaspoon. It adds an aromatic touch that enhances the tomato flavor.
• Croutons (optional) – for garnish or added texture.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the steps for making this delicious soup from scratch. The method is simple and straightforward – and it’s sure to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

1. Sauté The Onion And Garlic

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and tender – about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. The garlic should become fragrant, but don’t let it brown.

2. Add Tomatoes And Broth

   • Pour in the canned tomatoes (crushed or diced), along with the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. Blend For Smoothness

   • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
   • The goal is a silky-smooth texture, so take your time with the blending.

4. Add Spinach And Cream

   • Stir in the fresh spinach (if using frozen spinach, add it directly to the pot). Allow it to wilt down, which will only take a few minutes.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the soup. This is where the soup gets its creamy, indulgent texture.

5. Season To Taste

   • Add sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a sweeter soup, add a little more sugar; for more depth of flavor, increase the basil or pepper.

6. Final Simmer

   • Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, just to heat everything through and allow the flavors to marry. Stir occasionally.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with croutons for a little crunch. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture profile:

• Tomatoes: The tomatoes are the heart and soul of this soup. Whether you use crushed or diced, the natural sweetness and acidity from the tomatoes provide the base for the soup’s signature flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds nutrition but also contributes a vibrant green color. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making this soup a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Cream is the secret ingredient for achieving that smooth, velvety texture. It balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Vegetable Broth: The broth is what helps thin the soup to a pourable consistency. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to maintain control over the salt content.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds that salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy soup beautifully.

Expert Tips

Want to make your Tomato Florentine Soup even better? Here are a few pro tips to elevate your dish:

• Roast the Tomatoes: For a deeper, more intense flavor, try roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes and brings out a richer taste.
• Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works fine, fresh spinach adds a lot more texture and flavor to the soup. Just be sure to remove the tough stems before adding them in.
• Cream Substitute: If you want a lighter version of the soup, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a different twist.
• Make It Spicy: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This will add a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Side: For the perfect pairing, serve this soup alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a classic combination that elevates the whole meal.

Recipe Variations

While this Tomato Florentine Soup is fantastic on its own, you can get creative with some variations to suit different tastes:

• Chicken Florentine: Add some cooked shredded chicken for extra protein. This transforms the soup into a heartier, more filling meal.
• Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative in place of the heavy cream, and opt for a vegetable broth that’s completely free of animal products.
• Tomato Basil Florentine: If you’re a fan of basil, you can add fresh chopped basil in place of dried basil for a burst of aromatic flavor.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese. They’ll melt beautifully into the soup, giving it an extra creamy texture and savory flavor.

Final Words

Making homemade soup doesn’t get much easier or more satisfying than this. The beauty of Culver’s Tomato Florentine Soup lies in its simplicity and balance – a medley of wholesome ingredients that come together to form a rich, velvety, and soul-soothing dish. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or for serving to guests as a comforting appetizer.