Craving a savory twist on classic tomato soup? Try the mouthwatering Bloody Mary Tomato Soup! This dish blends the bold flavors of a Bloody Mary cocktail – ripe tomatoes, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish – for a sophisticated and comforting soup. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add tomatoes and seasonings. Stir in heavy cream to create a velvety texture. Blend until smooth and garnish with crispy bacon and sour cream for a stunning presentation. This versatile recipe allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking. Sounds delicious, right? Keep reading to discover the simple cooking steps.
Key Takeaways
- Bloody Mary Tomato Soup is a savory soup inspired by the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, featuring a blend of tomatoes, vodka, and Worcestershire sauce.
- The soup offers a unique culinary experience with its bold, spicy flavors, making it a popular comfort food choice.
- The recipe typically includes sautéed onions and garlic, canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and various seasonings like oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Garnishes such as crispy bacon and sour cream are often added to enhance the visual appeal and provide a contrast of textures.
- Bloody Mary Tomato Soup can be served as a starter, main course, or even a party appetizer, and leftovers reheat well for multiple meals.
History
The origins of Bloody Mary tomato soup can be traced back to the early 20th century, when resourceful cooks began experimenting with blending tomatoes and spices to create a savory and satisfying soup.
As the popularity of tomato-based dishes grew, creative home chefs started adding a touch of vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic herbs to their soup recipes, creating a unique fusion of flavors that evoked the classic Bloody Mary cocktail.
This flavorful soup quickly gained a devoted following, becoming a staple at diners and home kitchens alike.
Over the decades, the recipe evolved, with some cooks adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of celery salt to amplify the bold, savory taste.
Today, Bloody Mary tomato soup remains a beloved comfort food, offering a delicious way to enjoy the iconic cocktail's signature taste in a warming and nourishing soup.
Recipe
Bloody Mary Tomato Soup is a delightful twist on the classic tomato soup, infused with the bold flavors of the Bloody Mary cocktail. This savory soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a sophisticated starter course.
The combination of ripe tomatoes, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of horseradish creates a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Garnished with crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream, this soup is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Crispy bacon, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
In a large saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, celery salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well blended, approximately 20 minutes.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon and a dollop of sour cream. The slight kick of the horseradish and the bold flavors of the Bloody Mary ingredients make this soup a delightful and unique culinary experience. Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
Chop the onions and garlic into small pieces.
Sauté the onions and garlic in a pot until they're soft and fragrant.
Then, add the tomatoes and spices, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 1. Chop Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic's fragrant aroma will soon fill your kitchen as you finely chop these aromatic ingredients.
Start by cutting the onion in half, then thinly slice each half. Work slowly and carefully, keeping your fingertips tucked under to avoid any accidental cuts.
Next, mince the garlic cloves. Use the flat side of your knife to gently smash each clove, then finely chop the garlic. Be sure to work quickly, as garlic can easily burn and become bitter.
As you chop, keep an eye on the size of your pieces – you want the onions and garlic to be small and uniform, around an eighth of an inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
With your aromatic ingredients prepped, you're one step closer to a delicious Bloody Mary Tomato Soup.
Take a moment to appreciate the enticing scents filling your kitchen – it's a sign of the flavors to come.
Step 2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
With your aromatic ingredients prepped, it's time to sauté the onions and garlic.
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onions.
Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they're soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can create a bitter flavor.
Once the onions and garlic are perfectly cooked, you're ready to move on to the next step in creating your delicious Bloody Mary tomato soup.
The sautéed aromatics will provide a wonderful foundation of flavor for the soup, so take your time and get them just right.
Step 3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
With the aromatic foundation laid, it's time to build upon it. Grab the canned tomatoes and pour them into the pot, juice and all. Give them a gentle stir to incorporate them with the sautéed onions and garlic.
Toss in a teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and a bay leaf. The oregano will lend an earthy, slightly minty flavor, while the red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick of heat. The bay leaf will infuse the soup with its warm, woodsy aroma.
Secure the lid and let the flavors meld together for about 15 minutes, simmering gently. This allows the tomatoes to break down and the seasonings to permeate the broth. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Now you're ready to blend and serve this savory, comforting Bloody Mary-inspired tomato soup.
Step 4. Add Heavy Cream
A cup of heavy cream takes this Bloody Mary-inspired tomato soup to the next level of richness and creaminess. Slowly pour the cream into the simmering tomato mixture, stirring gently to incorporate it. The cream will melt seamlessly, creating a velvety, indulgent texture.
Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cream has been added, as that could cause it to curdle. Maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. The cream will temper the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a silky-smooth, well-balanced soup.
Depending on your desired consistency, you can add more or less cream. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to suit your taste preferences.
The cream adds a luxurious creaminess that complements the bold Bloody Mary-inspired seasonings, creating a truly decadent soup experience.
Step 5. Blend Soup to Desired Consistency
Once the heavy cream has been incorporated, it's time to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Using an immersion blender, carefully submerge the blender wand into the pot and blend the soup until it reaches your preferred texture. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can leave some of the tomato pieces intact. For a silkier, more uniform consistency, blend the soup until it's completely smooth. Adjust the blending time to suit your tastes.
Once blended, give the soup a quick taste and add any additional seasoning, like salt and pepper, as needed. The key is to blend the soup until it's the perfect velvety consistency for you.
With a little adjustment, you'll have a delightfully creamy Bloody Mary tomato soup ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
So, what're your final thoughts on this Bloody Mary Tomato Soup recipe?
You've made it all the way through, and the result is a delicious, balanced soup that captures the flavors of a classic Bloody Mary cocktail. The blend of tomatoes, vodka, and savory seasonings creates a unique and satisfying dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to your personal preference, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
Additionally, the soup can be served as a starter, a main course, or even as a fun party appetizer. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the soup for multiple meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Tomato?
You can absolutely use a different type of tomato in this recipe! While the recipe may call for a specific variety, feel free to experiment with other tomatoes you have on hand.
Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the type you choose. Don't be afraid to get creative and make the dish your own.
The most important thing is that you enjoy the final result.
How Long Does the Soup Keep in the Fridge?
The soup should keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavor and prevent spoilage.
You can enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week – just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
The bright, tomatoey goodness will hold up nicely, so you can savor every last drop.
Do I Need to Use Vodka or Can I Substitute It?
You don't necessarily need to use vodka in the recipe – you can absolutely substitute it with something else if you prefer.
Many people opt for chicken or vegetable broth instead, which will still give the soup a rich, savory flavor without the alcoholic kick.
Just keep in mind that the vodka does help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, so you may want to adjust the seasoning a bit if you go the non-alcoholic route.
Either way, the soup will still turn out delicious!
Can I Freeze the Soup for Later Use?
Yes, you can definitely freeze the soup for later use!
Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The soup's flavors will stay fresh, so you can savor it weeks or even months down the line.
Freezing is a great way to make the most of your homemade creations!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely make a vegetarian version of this recipe! Instead of using chicken or beef broth, simply swap in vegetable broth.
You can also leave out the Worcestershire sauce, which contains anchovies. For a meatless twist, try adding in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
The end result will be a delicious, veggie-packed soup that's just as satisfying as the original. Get creative and have fun with it!
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