Drinkable Soup Recipe

Soup is often seen as the comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. But what if I told you there’s a way to make soup even more indulgent and enjoyable? A drinkable soup! Think of it as a luxurious liquid meal that combines rich flavors with the ease of sipping-like a smoothie, but savory. Drinkable soups have been gaining popularity for their convenience and versatility. They’re perfect for busy people who still want something healthy and satisfying, or for anyone who wants to take their love of soup to the next level.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a snack, or a cozy dinner, a drinkable soup is a fun way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a completely new form. In this article, I’ll share a delicious, simple drinkable soup recipe along with some insightful tips and variations that you can experiment with. Let’s dive right in!

Drinkable Soup Recipe

The recipe I’ll be walking you through today is a Creamy Tomato Basil Drinkable Soup. It’s velvety, tangy, and packed with comforting flavors-think of it as a twist on the classic tomato soup, but made smoother and more sippable.

Ingredients Needed

• 3 cups of fresh tomatoes (or canned if fresh isn’t available)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (choose low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich, creamy texture; feel free to swap with coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil if you have it on hand)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance out acidity)
• A dash of paprika (optional for an extra kick)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onion and garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make an ’X’ on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for a minute to peel off the skin easily.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes: If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them and add them to the pot. If using canned tomatoes, simply pour them in. Stir everything together.
4. Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Blend the Soup: Once the tomatoes are softened and the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend everything until it’s completely smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender.
6. Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Once blended, return the soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and basil. Add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer again for 5 minutes to warm everything through.
7. Serve: Pour the soup into mugs or glasses (yes, really-this is a drinkable soup, after all!) and garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in creating its smooth, creamy, and well-balanced flavor profile. Here’s a deeper look at why these ingredients are so essential:

• Tomatoes: They’re the backbone of this recipe, providing that iconic, tangy base. Whether fresh or canned, tomatoes bring natural sweetness and acidity. Fresh tomatoes will create a brighter, fresher flavor, while canned tomatoes tend to have a deeper, more concentrated taste.
• Onion and Garlic: These two aromatics are what elevate the flavor from just ’good’ to “great”. They form the flavor foundation of most soups and add sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat source that helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness to the soup.
• Broth: The broth serves as the liquid base of the soup. Vegetable broth will keep things light and plant-based, while chicken broth can add a richer, heartier flavor. Opting for low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt content of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: This is the ingredient that turns a simple soup into something indulgent. It adds richness and creates the creamy texture that makes the soup sippable, not chunky. You can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan alternative.
• Basil: A classic herb in tomato-based dishes, basil provides a lovely, aromatic note. It pairs beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sugar: Tomatoes, especially in winter, can sometimes be too acidic. A pinch of sugar helps balance this out, creating a well-rounded, harmonious flavor.

Expert Tips

When making a drinkable soup, there are a few expert tips you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure it turns out perfectly:

• Use an Immersion Blender: For the smoothest, creamiest soup, an immersion blender (also known as a hand blender) is a game-changer. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot without transferring hot liquids to a separate blender. If you don’t have one, a regular blender will work fine, but be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.
• Adjust Consistency: Drinkable soups should be smooth and pourable. If your soup feels too thick, add more broth or water to loosen it up. Aim for a consistency that’s easy to sip, but not too runny.
• Season Gradually: Taste your soup as you go! Seasoning should always be added in layers. Start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust as needed. You can also adjust the acidity with lemon juice or a small splash of vinegar.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: While drinkable soup doesn’t need the elaborate garnishes of a regular bowl of soup, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, or a dash of paprika can take it from basic to beautiful.

Recipe Variations

While this creamy tomato basil drinkable soup is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up:

• Roasted Tomato and Garlic: Roasting your tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the soup will deepen the flavor and add a smokier, richer profile. Simply roast them in the oven with a bit of olive oil and salt for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Spicy Roasted Red Pepper: Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky, spicy kick. You can roast them yourself or use jarred roasted red peppers. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper will amp up the heat!
• Coconut Milk Tomato Soup: For a tropical twist, swap the cream for coconut milk. This will give the soup a velvety texture with a subtle coconut flavor.
• Add Protein: For a heartier version, blend in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even a scoop of cottage cheese to give the soup some extra protein.

Final Words

Drinkable soups are one of those meals that are incredibly simple yet unexpectedly satisfying. They give you the flexibility to explore a wide variety of flavors while still feeling like you’re indulging in something comforting and nourishing. The beauty of this creamy tomato basil version lies in its simplicity, allowing you to play with ingredients and find a perfect balance between creamy and savory.

So whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a creative twist on your favorite soup, this drinkable soup recipe will quickly become a go-to. Remember to experiment with different flavors and textures-soup is all about personal taste!