Easy Tomato and Chilli Soup – Warm, Spicy & Delicious

Are you craving a warm, hearty bowl of soup with a bit of a kick? This Tomato and Chilli Soup is your new go-to recipe! It’s packed with fresh tomatoes, a hint of heat from the chilli, and a bunch of tasty veggies. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while you go about your day. The best part? It’s super easy to make and full of flavor. Let’s dive in!

Method in Detail

Chopping the Ingredients

Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery, and carrots into small pieces. This will help them cook evenly and release all their wonderful flavors into the soup. The smaller the pieces, the faster they’ll cook, allowing you to get the most out of each ingredient.

Adding Everything to the Slow Cooker

Once your vegetables are chopped, it’s time to add everything to the slow cooker. First, place the fresh tomatoes, canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and your freshly chopped vegetables inside the slow cooker. Then, add in the chilli for that perfect amount of heat, followed by the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Stir the ingredients together gently to make sure they’re all mixed evenly.

Seasoning the Soup

Now, it’s time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, along with the oregano for a bit of herbal depth. Add a handful of fresh basil to give the soup a refreshing, aromatic flavor. Stir everything together to ensure the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Adding the Vegetable Stock

Next, pour in the vegetable stock to cover the ingredients. The stock is essential because it provides the soup with its base and helps to blend all the flavors. After pouring in the stock, give everything one final stir to mix everything together evenly.

Cooking the Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook the soup on high for 3 hours, but if you have more time, cooking it on low for 5 hours will enhance the flavors even more. For those of you who prefer a deeper roasted flavor, feel free to roast the tomatoes beforehand, though it’s not necessary for this recipe. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together slowly and gives you time to relax while the soup does all the work.

Blending the Soup

Once the soup has finished cooking, it’s time to make it smooth. Carefully blend the soup until it’s velvety and creamy. You can use a standard blender or an immersion blender. If using a standard blender, be cautious with the hot liquid—let it cool down slightly before blending. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for less hassle and cleanup.

Serving the Soup

After blending, portion out the soup into bowls. Now you’re ready to enjoy this flavorful, hearty dish! It’s perfect as a standalone meal or as a starter to any main dish.

Necessary Tools

• Slow Cooker (or large pot for stovetop cooking)
• Blender or immersion blender (for blitzing the soup)
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess.
• Serve with a sprinkle of grated cheese or croutons for a little crunch.
• For a healthier touch, try adding a side salad to balance the meal!

Fun Fact

Did you know that tomatoes were once believed to be poisonous? Early European settlers thought they were dangerous because they are part of the nightshade family, but thankfully, we now know they’re not only safe but packed with vitamins and antioxidants!

Conclusion

This Tomato and Chilli Soup is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors with a little spice that warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or as a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy every warm and delicious bite!