We’ve always been drawn to the vibrant flavors of a Beach Bar Tomato Soup, evoking lazy days by the shore with its fresh, sun-ripened tomatoes and zesty herbs. This easy recipe brings that coastal vibe straight to your kitchen, perfect for a quick meal that feels like a getaway.
Originating from laid-back beachside spots, our take on this classic soup highlights simple ingredients that pack a punch of taste. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a solo lunch, it’s the ultimate blend of comfort and freshness we love sharing.
Ingredients
For our Beach Bar Tomato Soup, we select high-quality, fresh ingredients that capture the vibrant, coastal flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes and zesty herbs. Below, we list them in the order they are typically prepared, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Tomatoes: 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of fresh, ripe plum tomatoes, roughly chopped to release their juices and enhance the soup’s bold, tangy base.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced for building a sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the tomatoes’ acidity.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced to add a pungent, earthy depth that infuses the soup with warmth right from the start.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, used for sautéing to impart a subtle, fruity richness typical of beachside cooking.
- Vegetable Stock: 4 cups (946 ml) low-sodium stock, prepared or store-bought, to create a light, flavorful broth that keeps the soup refreshing and not overly heavy.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn for a bright, peppery finish, plus 1 tablespoon chopped oregano for an added Mediterranean twist that evokes seaside vibes.
- Lime: Juice and zest from 1 fresh lime, freshly squeezed just before serving to deliver a zesty, citrusy kick that balances the soup’s warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to taste for seasoning that enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Optional Add-in: 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy texture, if we want to add a tropical, beach-bar element for extra creaminess and subtle sweetness.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Beach Bar Tomato Soup seamlessly after gathering those fresh ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficiency and safety in the kitchen. Let’s outline the key equipment you’ll need, organized by category for clarity.
Basic Kitchen Essentials
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for simmering the tomatoes and vegetables to develop rich, vibrant flavors. We recommend a 4- to 6-quart size to handle the soup’s volume without overflow.
- Immersion blender or countertop blender: For achieving a smooth, creamy texture, an immersion blender works best as it allows blending directly in the pot, minimizing mess and reducing transfer time.
Prep Tools
- Chef’s knife: A sharp, 8-inch chef’s knife is ideal for dicing onions and chopping tomatoes precisely, ensuring even cooking and enhancing the soup’s fresh taste.
- Cutting board: Opt for a sturdy, non-slip cutting board (at least 12×18 inches) to provide a stable surface for all your prep work, keeping things safe and organized.
Measuring and Mixing Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s balance, so use a set of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons for ingredients like olive oil and seasonings.
- Zester or fine grater: This tool is perfect for zesting lime to add that zesty, tropical note without including the bitter pith.
Additional Utensils
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring the soup gently to prevent scorching, especially when incorporating herbs and stock for optimal flavor infusion.
With this equipment on hand, we’re set to transition smoothly from prepping ingredients to cooking, making our Beach Bar Tomato Soup recipe a breeze to execute.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential tools ready, we guide you through creating this vibrant Beach Bar Tomato Soup, ensuring each step brings out its zesty, sun-kissed flavors.
Prepare Ingredients
First, we start by prepping the key components to build a solid foundation for the soup. Wash 2 pounds of ripe plum tomatoes under cool water and core them, then dice into even 1-inch pieces to release their juicy sweetness. Next, peel and finely chop one medium yellow onion into small dice for even cooking and a subtle crunch. Mince 3 cloves of garlic to infuse a pungent aroma that awakens the senses.
Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves and 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves coarsely, preserving their bright, herbaceous essence. Zest one lime using a zester to yield about 1 teaspoon of fragrant zest, then juice the lime to get 2 tablespoons of tart liquid. If opting for creaminess, measure out 1/2 cup of coconut milk and set it aside. Finally, gather 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock, along with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all elements are measured accurately for a balanced, tropical-inspired blend.
Cook the Soup
We move to the stovetop to develop rich flavors through gentle simmering. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring with a wooden spoon for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a savory fragrance that fills the kitchen.
Add the diced tomatoes and pour in the vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down into a chunky base while the herbs’ earthy notes mingle with the stock’s warmth. Stir in the chopped basil and oregano halfway through, letting their vibrant, fresh scents elevate the soup’s coastal vibe.
Blend and Season
Once the soup has simmered to perfection, we achieve its smooth, velvety texture by blending. Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot, pureeing until silky—about 1-2 minutes—to create a luscious consistency that coats the spoon.
Stir in the lime zest and juice for a zesty tang that brightens the flavors, then season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred level of savoriness. If desired, incorporate the coconut milk for added creaminess, blending briefly to combine. Taste and fine-tune, ensuring the soup’s refreshing, tropical essence shines through in every spoonful.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Beach Bar Tomato Soup is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare it in advance to let the flavors meld, ensuring a vibrant, tropical taste that’s ready when we need it. This approach keeps the soup’s fresh tomato essence and zesty lime notes intact, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous gatherings.
Preparing the Soup Ahead
To make our Beach Bar Tomato Soup ahead, follow these steps after completing the initial cooking process:
- Cool the Soup Completely: Once we’ve blended and seasoned the soup, let it cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and maintains the soup’s smooth texture, preserving the bright, herbaceous flavors from the fresh basil and oregano.
- Portion for Storage: Divide the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. We recommend using single-serving sizes for easy reheating, which helps minimize waste and keeps portions fresh.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to retaining the soup’s refreshing, coastal vibe. Below, we outline optimal storage methods with specific timelines to ensure safety and quality:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Store in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. This keeps the soup’s vibrant red color and tangy lime zest prominent, but stir well before reheating to redistribute any settled ingredients. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Freeze in portions to lock in the tropical essence. Thaw overnight in the fridge to avoid diluting the flavors from the vegetable stock and optional coconut milk. |
Reheating Steps
When it’s time to enjoy our make-ahead Beach Bar Tomato Soup, reheat it gently to preserve its silky smoothness and burst of fresh herbs:
- Refrigerated Soup: Transfer the desired portion to a pot and heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. We add a splash of vegetable stock if needed to restore the original consistency, enhancing the soup’s comforting warmth and zesty brightness.
- Frozen Soup: Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then reheat as above. For a quicker option, use the microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, to quickly revive the soup’s inviting aroma and tropical flair.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Beach Bar Tomato Soup remains a flavorful, effortless staple that captures the essence of beachside relaxation.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Beach Bar Tomato Soup to bring a slice of coastal bliss right to your table. It’s more than a recipe—it’s our go-to way to unwind with fresh flavors that evoke sunny days and relaxed vibes.
Try tweaking it with your favorite herbs or toppings to make it truly yours, and enjoy the effortless taste of the tropics anytime. We’re confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen for quick, delightful meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beach Bar Tomato Soup?
Beach Bar Tomato Soup is a fresh, vibrant recipe that brings coastal flavors to your kitchen. It features ripe tomatoes, zesty herbs, and a hint of lime for a refreshing, comforting meal. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, it’s simple to prepare and evokes a beachside vibe with its tropical twist.
What ingredients are needed for Beach Bar Tomato Soup?
You’ll need 2 pounds of ripe plum tomatoes, a medium yellow onion, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, low-sodium vegetable stock, fresh basil and oregano, lime juice and zest, plus salt and pepper. For creaminess, add optional coconut milk. These fresh ingredients ensure a flavorful, easy-to-make soup.
What equipment is required to make Beach Bar Tomato Soup?
Essential tools include a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, an immersion or countertop blender for smoothing, a sharp chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a zester for lime, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring. This setup makes preparation efficient and safe.
How do I make Beach Bar Tomato Soup?
Start by prepping ingredients: wash and dice tomatoes, chop onion, mince garlic, and prepare herbs and lime. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and stock, then simmer to blend flavors. Blend until smooth, stir in lime zest and juice, and season to taste. The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes.
Can I prepare Beach Bar Tomato Soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is great for make-ahead meals. Prepare it fully, then cool completely before storing. It holds flavors well for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy schedules or meal prep.
How should I store and reheat Beach Bar Tomato Soup?
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm refrigerated soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen portions, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve the fresh, vibrant taste.