Looking for a delicious and hearty soup that's easy to make? Try this 1 Bowl Creamy Tomato Soup (W/ Croutons) Soup with only 360 calories! This soup is perfect for a cozy night in, and its creamy texture will leave you feeling satisfied and warm.

Not only is this soup low in calories, but it is also packed with nutritional benefits. Tomatoes, the main ingredient in this soup, are known for their high levels of vitamin C and K, as well as antioxidants that can help improve heart health.

In this article, we'll explore the history of tomato soup, discuss the health benefits of tomatoes, and offer tips for making the soup even more flavorful and filling.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Croutons

To make creamy tomato soup with croutons, you'll need a few key ingredients and about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in a pot with some butter or oil. Then, add in canned or fresh tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of seasonings. Once the soup has simmered for 15-20 minutes, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and purée until smooth. Finally, add in cream or milk to achieve that creamy texture, and top with homemade croutons for added crunch and flavor.

The Ingredients You Need for This Soup

To make 1 Bowl Creamy Tomato Soup (W/ Croutons) Soup, you'll need the following ingredients: -Canned or fresh tomatoes -Vegetable broth, garlic, onion, butter or oil, salt, pepper, cream or milk, and bread for croutons.

What Makes This Soup So Creamy?

The secret to this soup's creamy texture is the addition of cream or milk. Once the soup has simmered and the other ingredients have melded together, the cream is added to create a smooth and velvety texture.

How to Make Your Own Croutons at Home

Homemade croutons are easy to make and add the perfect crunch to any soup or salad. Simply take a few slices of bread and cut them into cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

The History of Tomato Soup

Tomato soup has been a popular dish in America since the late 1800s, but it wasn't until the invention of Campbell's condensed tomato soup in 1897 that it became a household name. During the Great Depression, tomato soup was often served with grilled cheese sandwiches as a cheap and filling meal.

The Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any diet.

Adding Protein to Your Tomato Soup

While tomato soup is already relatively low in calories and high in fiber, adding protein to the dish can help make it even more filling and satisfying. You can add chicken, tofu, lentils, or beans to the soup for an extra boost of protein.

Toppings and Garnishes for Your Soup

While the soup is delicious on its own, adding toppings and garnishes can take it to the next level. Try topping your soup with homemade croutons, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Other Tomato-Based Soups to Try

If you love tomato soup, you might want to try some other tomato-based soups to mix things up. Gazpacho, a cold Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers, is perfect for summer. Minestrone, an Italian vegetable soup that often features tomatoes and beans, is both filling and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup with croutons is perfect for a cozy night in, but it can also be served as a starter or side dish for a more formal meal. Try pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a salad to create a well-rounded meal.