Moroccan Tomato Soup Recipe (2024)

Recipe from Barbara Kafka

Adapted by Amanda Hesser

Updated Feb. 28, 2024

Moroccan Tomato Soup Recipe (1)

Total Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
4(200)
Notes
Read community notes

This recipe, originally featured in a 1991 column by Barbara Kafka, was rehashed in a piece by Amanda Hesser in 2009. The idea is simple: Aromatic spices are toasted in a small saucepan, paired with tomatoes, and served chilled. The end result is a refreshing soup, full of flavor. —Amanda Hesser

Featured in: Moroccan Tomato Soup, 1991

Learn: How to Make Soup

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Ingredients

Yield:Serves 4

  • 5medium cloves garlic, smashed, peeled and minced
  • teaspoons sweet paprika
  • teaspoons ground cumin
  • Large pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 4teaspoons olive oil
  • pounds tomatoes, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼cup packed chopped cilantro leaves plus additional for garnish
  • 1tablespoon white-wine vinegar
  • 2tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt
  • 4stalks celery, diced

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

107 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 14 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 745 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Moroccan Tomato Soup Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    In a small saucepan, stir together the garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne and olive oil. Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

  2. Step

    2

    Pass the tomatoes through a food mill fitted with a large disk. Stir in the cooked spice mixture, the cilantro, vinegar, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons salt, celery and 2 tablespoons water. Add more salt as desired. Refrigerate until cold. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves.

Ratings

4

out of 5

200

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

ch

a large can of crushed tomatoes (1.5lb) can easily be substituted, eliminating the need to fool around with a food mill

Judy Epstein

Q: Any suggestions for people who don't want to go out and buy a food mill?

Kary

Read ingredients. Scanned prep only and went to store. In the middle of prep, read the last sentence and realized I was making a sort of Moroccan gazpacho. (It’s January....and even though I’m in Southern Spain, it’s not hot!). Good news: The soup works great served hot.

Steve Abbott

Easy and delicious. Used as a side with Sam Sifton's chicken shawarma

Joel

I make this at least once every summer. The celery makes it feel as if you're chewing on ice (without the risk of breaking your teeth).

Amy

husband wanted hot soup, so sauteed celery w/ 1/2 a chopped onion, then continued w/ recipe, adding garlic & spices, then the rest (except cilantro) in dutch oven on stove top. added approx. 1c. chicken broth. pureed all in blender. served warm w/ chopped cilantro garnish. Slightly different from original, but w/same flavor profile.

betsy

I did it with an immersion blender, and it came out great.

Walt

Cook the onion and garlic first, add the spices during their last minute in the pan.

Carol Bradford

I think the term "cook" is the problem. I plan to make this tomorrow and I will just warm the garlic and spices in oil until fragrant.

tdalec

This seemed like the perfect choice for using the near-last of the garden tomatoes on a record-hot October day. But the spices heated in oil step made the soup taste "burned" one family member said. And I agree. Since this is so much like its crossed-the-straights cousin, gazpacho, why not just use smoked paprika and spare a pan.

too spicy

it's too spicy. reduce the amount of spices you put in.

Kevin M

I've been making this since 1991 and still have the original page from the magazine. I've never used a food mill, just chop up the tomatoes, it's always great. Original recipe also calls for 5 teaspoons of kosher salt, too much! The advice here is good, start small and add to taste.

Katia

5 minutes? Hardly. The prep time is much more unless you are a professional cook. Lovely flavor though.

Lee

Terrific summer soup - every time I serve it, my guests are floored by the complex flavors. I grate large, over ripe tomatoes on a box grater - perfect chunky-ish texture. The payoff vs effort is through the roof.

Sue and Dick

We prepare this many times in the summer and freeze it for a winter treat. It freezes beautifully. We start with 2-3 pounds of tomatoes. We add several shakes of a good hot sauce, 6 cloves of garlic not 5, 1/3 cup of cilantro, a rounded teaspoon of cumin, red wine vinegar and smoked Spanish style paprika for half the called for paprika. All goes into a blender to pulse to the right consistency and if we need two batches in the blender, we will mix them together before eating.

Amy

husband wanted hot soup, so sauteed celery w/ 1/2 a chopped onion, then continued w/ recipe, adding garlic & spices, then the rest (except cilantro) in dutch oven on stove top. added approx. 1c. chicken broth. pureed all in blender. served warm w/ chopped cilantro garnish. Slightly different from original, but w/same flavor profile.

Kevin M

I've been making this since 1991 and still have the original page from the magazine. I've never used a food mill, just chop up the tomatoes, it's always great. Original recipe also calls for 5 teaspoons of kosher salt, too much! The advice here is good, start small and add to taste.

Tessa

This is Gazpacho with Moroccan flavors. Sweated the celery and garlic with a little shallot, then toasted the spices with the veg. I didn’t want strong raw garlic flavor as 5 cloves would certainly provide. It was good. Tried it slightly warm but much preferred it cold. Next time will just make the Andalusian Gazpacho as the veg flavors are not obscured by all the spices.

Kary

Read ingredients. Scanned prep only and went to store. In the middle of prep, read the last sentence and realized I was making a sort of Moroccan gazpacho. (It’s January....and even though I’m in Southern Spain, it’s not hot!). Good news: The soup works great served hot.

Michelle

Heresy, I know, but I use smoked paprika and it’s glorious

deborah gibson. Michigan

I don’t consider it cheating, but for this soup I added 2 tbsp Harissa tomato paste for the touch of heat my family requires.

deborah gibson. Michigan

I’m sure that by now you have discovered the extremely usefulStick mixer. It has hi and lo settings which will turns your fresh tomatoes From fresh chopped to fresh chunky or fresh purée in a flash.I’m pretty “old school” about most kitchen tools. However I latched ontoThis one handed wonder once I was shown the quick purée benefits. Now I can make soups galore and purée up a breeze.

too spicy

it's too spicy. reduce the amount of spices you put in.

Jeanne Hannah

I almost always substitute fennel for celery. This would be another good opportunity.

TCole

Cooking it right now and used smoked paprika for lack of other. Tempted to add a little stock to thin it out a bit. Contemplating.

ch

a large can of crushed tomatoes (1.5lb) can easily be substituted, eliminating the need to fool around with a food mill

Judy Epstein

Q: Any suggestions for people who don't want to go out and buy a food mill?

Anthony

Buy some plum tomatoes and grate them - bingo!

betsy

I did it with an immersion blender, and it came out great.

Walt

Immersion blender.

Private notes are only visible to you.

Moroccan Tomato Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to put in tomato soup to make it taste better? ›

10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
  1. 1) Fresh Rosemary. Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. ...
  2. 2) Sauteed Onions. ...
  3. 3) Crispy Bacon. ...
  4. 4) Cream. ...
  5. 5) Chutney. ...
  6. 6) Melted Cheese. ...
  7. 7) Tinned Anchovies. ...
  8. 8) Toasted Pine Nuts.
Mar 21, 2022

Why add baking soda to tomato soup? ›

- Adding baking soda to tomato soup and tomato sauces helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomato flavors really shine, and your sauce or soup will not curdle if you add milk. - Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato sauce or soup will make flavors sparkle and become less acidic.

What can be added to tomato soup to make it thicker? ›

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

Why does tomato soup make me feel better? ›

Boosts immunity

Some cultures use tomato soup as a home remedy for the common cold. In fact, its vitamin C and carotenoid content may stimulate your immune system ( 3 , 46 ). Research also shows that vitamin C may help prevent the common cold and reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms ( 12 ).

What takes the bitterness out of tomato soup? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

Is tomato soup better with milk or water? ›

When Made With Milk, Tomato Soup Should Be Rich And Creamy. Not all soups are created equal. A soup made with milk is usually richer and more luxurious than one made with just water or stock. This addition helps make the soup feel more comforting.

Why put sugar in tomato soup? ›

Next - and this is important - in order to combat the acidity of the tomatoes add 3 to 6 tablespoons of sugar. Now, you'll want to start on the low side, then taste and add more as needed. Some tomatoes and juice have more of an acidic bite than others.

Why add flour to tomato soup? ›

Tomato soup can be a bit thin, especially with the addition of cream at the end of cooking, so flour is added to the sautéing aromatics to thicken the soup.

Why does my tomato soup taste bland? ›

Always check seasonings and taste-test before serving. If the soup tastes bland at all, a bit more salt will do the trick, that doesn't just apply to this tomato soup recipe but just about anything you'll ever find yourself cooking.

What is the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque? ›

While both are delicious, they are quite different, especially when it comes to the texture. Tomato bisque is thicker and creamier in texture, and calls for the use of milk and/or cream.

How to make tomato soup not so acidic? ›

A little cooking tip: If your tomato soup tastes a bit tinny or too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda! Baking soda is alkaline, and when added to tomato soup, it can help neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes. A small pinch of baking soda can help balance the pH levels and reduce the overall acidity.

How long does tomato soup last in the fridge? ›

Once opened, the soup should be consumed within 3-5 days if refrigerated. If you've made the soup from scratch, it's safe to consume within 5-7 days when refrigerated. You can also freeze the homemade soup, in this case, it would last for 4-6 months. How do you tell if tomato soup is bad?

Why does my stomach hurt after eating tomato soup? ›

A tomato intolerance or sensitivity occurs when your digestive system reacts adversely after eating tomatoes. There are different types of food sensitivities when it comes to tomatoes: chemical sensitivities to the alkaloids, reactions to the acid content, and IgG reactions to the proteins in tomatoes.

Is tomato soup anti-inflammatory? ›

Tomatoes can be part of your overall produce intake because of their healthful nutrients and compounds, such as lycopene, beta carotene and vitamin C, all of which act as antioxidants and exert anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Is tomato soup good for your bowel movements? ›

Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in tomatoes promotes digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fiber-rich foods like tomato soup can help prevent constipation and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Versatility in Recipes: This Mediterranean diet staple lends itself to great versatility.

How to fix bland tomato soup? ›

Add herbs.

This probably isn't a surprise, as basil and tomatoes are a delicious duo. But think beyond basil — rosemary and thyme can add earthiness; chives and parsley showered on top add a fresh finish; even freshly chopped mint (maybe with some feta cheese) can add a refreshing pop of flavor to every spoonful.

What can I add to my soup to make it tastier? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

What can I add to soup that is too tomatoey? ›

A tried-and-true method for reducing acidity in tomato-based dishes is to add a small amount of baking soda. Adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acid and make your tomato soup taste smoother. However, be cautious not to add too much, as it can alter the flavor of the soup.

What enhances tomato Flavour? ›

Yes, there are other ways to make your tomatoes taste even better and increase the acidity. There is lemon, vinegar, or my personal favorite, balsamic. Just imagine a tomato bruschetta with a balsamic vinaigrette drizzled on top.

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