Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the richness of homemade pesto. It’s a simple, yet sophisticated soup that provides both warmth and a burst of fresh flavors. This particular recipe is designed to be quick and easy, offering the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner, or even as a starter for a special meal.
Tomato soup is already a beloved classic, with its creamy texture and vibrant taste. Mary Berry, however, takes it a step further by adding pesto-a fragrant Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. The pesto elevates the soup, giving it an herby, garlicky punch that harmonizes perfectly with the tomatoes.
This soup is also flexible. It can be made with either fresh or canned tomatoes, depending on what’s available. The pesto-whether homemade or store-bought-gives the soup a lovely, aromatic swirl that makes each spoonful even more enticing.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, Mary Berry’s recipe is approachable, yet yields a sophisticated and satisfying result that’s perfect for any occasion.
Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto, you will need the following ingredients. The recipe is designed to be simple, yet full of flavor, so nothing too complex or hard to find.
- Fresh Tomatoes (about 800g/4-5 large tomatoes): The main star of this soup! Fresh tomatoes give the soup a bright, zesty flavor, but you can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are out of season.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds a savory base to the soup, complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Garlic provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and pesto.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onions and garlic, and for a bit of richness in the soup.
- Vegetable or Chicken Stock (500ml): A flavorful liquid base to bring the soup together. You can adjust the amount depending on how thick or thin you want your soup to be.
- Tomato Purée (1 tablespoon): Concentrated tomato flavor that enhances the taste of the soup.
- Pesto (3-4 tablespoons): Either store-bought or homemade. This adds a herby, creamy texture and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): To season the soup and balance the flavors.
- Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish): A final touch of freshness to garnish your soup before serving, enhancing the pesto and adding a pop of green color.
Equipment Needed
This soup is as easy as it sounds, requiring minimal kitchen equipment to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Saucepan or Pot: A medium-to-large pot is essential for simmering the soup and ensuring there’s enough room for the ingredients to cook together.
- Knife and Chopping Board: You’ll need these to finely chop your onion and garlic, and to prepare the tomatoes if you’re using fresh ones.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: To create that smooth, velvety texture that a good tomato soup is known for. An immersion blender is particularly convenient as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot. Otherwise, a countertop blender works just as well.
- Wooden Spoon or Stirring Spoon: For sautéing the vegetables and stirring the soup.
- Ladle and Soup Bowls: To serve up the delicious soup and enjoy every last drop!
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for this easy, flavorful soup.
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Begin by chopping the onion and garlic finely. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, roughly chop them as well. If you’re using canned tomatoes, you can skip this step.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates the savory base for your soup.
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Cook The Tomatoes
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot (or canned tomatoes if using them) along with the tomato purée. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes to let the tomatoes break down and release their juices. You should start to smell the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
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Add The Stock
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should be completely softened by now.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the soup has simmered and the tomatoes are soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. If you’re using a countertop blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until velvety and smooth.
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Add The Pesto
- Stir in the pesto, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pesto to infuse the soup with its flavors.
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Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh basil. The basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh herbiness of the pesto.
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Enjoy!
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect meal.
Tips And Tricks
- Balancing the Acidity: Tomatoes can sometimes be a little acidic, so if your soup tastes too tart, try adding a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. A small splash of cream can also help mellow the acidity and make the soup richer.
- Homemade Pesto: If you want to make your own pesto, it’s quite simple! Combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. You can even make extra pesto and store it in the fridge for another meal.
- Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the soup, or blend in a small chili pepper with the tomatoes.
- Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the finished soup.
- Crispy Toppings: For added texture, try topping the soup with croutons, fried shallots, or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto is the ultimate combination of comfort and freshness. The rich, creamy texture of the tomatoes paired with the aromatic, herby pesto creates a harmonious bowl of soup that’s sure to please any palate. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity-using just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a comforting homemade meal. Plus, the pesto adds a flavorful twist that sets it apart from your average tomato soup.
With a straightforward cooking process, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights, a cozy lunch, or even as a starter to impress your dinner guests. Its versatility also allows you to experiment with different flavors, adding extra toppings, or tweaking the pesto to your liking. Whichever way you make it, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen, filling your home with the irresistible smell of tomatoes and basil.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto
Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto is a wonderfully simple, yet delicious dish that bursts with flavor. However, as with any great base recipe, it offers an abundance of opportunities for customization. Here are some creative variations that you can experiment with to add a unique twist to this classic soup.
1. Roasted Tomato Variation
For a richer, more intense flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before blending them into the soup. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while also giving them a slightly caramelized, smoky flavor. Simply halve or quarter your tomatoes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until they’re soft and slightly charred. After that, add them to your soup as directed. The result is a tomato soup with a deeper, more complex taste that complements the pesto beautifully.
2. Herbed Tomato Soup With Pesto
Add a burst of fresh herbs to give the soup an aromatic lift. Fresh basil is an obvious choice and pairs wonderfully with the pesto, but you can also mix in other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. A tablespoon or two of finely chopped herbs added to the soup just before simmering will infuse the broth with their fragrance. For a more Mediterranean flair, consider tossing in a few fresh sprigs of rosemary while simmering, removing them before blending for a subtle, herbaceous undertone.
3. Creamy Tomato Soup
While Mary Berry’s original recipe keeps things light, adding a splash of cream can give the soup a luxurious, velvety texture. You can use double cream for richness, or opt for lighter alternatives like half-and-half or even a splash of coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Add the cream towards the end of cooking, stirring it in after blending the soup to create a creamy, smooth consistency that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
4. Spicy Tomato Soup
If you’re a fan of heat, turning this soup into a spicy version is incredibly easy. Simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili (like a jalapeño or serrano) to the pot when sautéing the onions and garlic. For an even bolder kick, you could stir in a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to complement the pesto’s earthy flavors. This variation offers a wonderful balance between the soup’s natural sweetness and the spicy heat.
5. Vegetable-packed Tomato Soup
For a more filling, nutrient-dense version, try adding extra vegetables to the soup. Carrots, celery, or zucchini are excellent additions that blend well into the tomato base. You can either grate the vegetables before adding them to the pot or chop them finely, allowing them to cook down and integrate with the soup. Blending the soup after cooking will give it a smooth texture, but with the added bonus of extra vitamins and fiber.
6. Bacon Or Chorizo
For those who enjoy a bit of meat in their soup, crisped bacon or chorizo bits are a great addition. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon (or the spicier, paprika-rich taste of chorizo) will elevate the soup, providing a savory contrast to the sweet tomatoes and the herby pesto. You can either fry the bacon or chorizo separately and stir it into the soup after blending, or fry it with the onions and garlic for a deeper integration of flavor.
7. Cheese Lovers’ Variation
If you’re a cheese enthusiast, there are endless ways to incorporate cheese into your soup. Try stirring in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving to add a salty, nutty depth of flavor. Alternatively, top the soup with a dollop of crumbled goat cheese, feta, or mozzarella for a creamy contrast. For a fun twist, add a cheese toastie on the side for the ultimate indulgent pairing.
Storing Leftovers
Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto is perfect for making in large batches, and leftovers can be stored easily for later enjoyment. Here are some tips for proper storage:
1. Refrigerating Leftovers
If you plan to enjoy the soup within the next 3-4 days, refrigerating is the simplest method. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored in the fridge, the flavors will continue to develop, and the pesto will infuse the soup with even more depth. Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
2. Freezing Leftovers
For longer-term storage, freezing the soup is a great option. Allow the soup to cool fully before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. If you’re using bags, be sure to flatten them to save space in your freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, then reheat it gently on the stove. Note that if the pesto separates slightly during freezing, simply give the soup a good stir once reheated.
3. Freezing Without The Pesto
If you plan to freeze your soup for a longer period, you may want to skip adding the pesto until you reheat it. Pesto can sometimes lose its vibrant green color and fresh flavor when frozen, so adding it fresh after reheating the soup will keep the pesto tasting as bright and flavorful as when it was first made.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto?
While the soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete, satisfying meal. Here are some options for what to eat with Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto:
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic pairing with tomato soup is a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The crisp, buttery bread contrasts wonderfully with the smooth, rich soup. Opt for a good quality cheese like cheddar, gruyère, or even a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor. You can also experiment with adding a bit of pesto to the sandwich itself, creating a harmonious flavor link between the soup and the sandwich.
2. Crusty Bread
A thick, crusty baguette or rustic country bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. The bread’s texture helps soak up the soup without falling apart. You can toast the bread lightly or serve it fresh, either way, it’s an ideal accompaniment. For an extra touch, spread a bit of butter or garlic butter on the bread to enhance its flavor.
3. Salad With A Tangy Dressing
To balance the richness of the soup, serve it with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess of the soup. Consider adding ingredients like mixed greens, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese. The acidity of the dressing will contrast beautifully with the smooth tomato base.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini make for a hearty, healthy side dish that complements the tomato soup. The natural sweetness from roasting the vegetables brings out a different flavor profile, while their caramelized edges add texture and interest.
5. Garlic Bread
If you want to amp up the flavor, garlic bread is a wonderful option. The rich garlic and herb flavors meld perfectly with the freshness of the tomato soup. For a healthier take, you could try making a garlic-infused olive oil drizzle to spread over toasted bread for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup with Pesto is a timeless dish that offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer it spicy, creamy, or packed with extra veggies, this soup can be adapted to suit any taste. With easy recipe variations, convenient storage options, and a variety of pairing ideas, this soup is the perfect choice for any occasion-be it a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch with friends. By adding personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients, you can elevate this simple yet flavorful dish and make it uniquely your own. Enjoy the flexibility and ease this recipe offers, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto Recipe?
To make Mary Berry’s easy tomato soup with pesto, you will need the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato purée, 500ml vegetable stock, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste, and a generous dollop of pesto (preferably homemade or store-bought).
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto?
This easy tomato soup recipe is quick to prepare. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 25 minutes. Once the soup is ready, simply serve with a spoonful of pesto for added flavor.
Can I Make Any Substitutions In Mary Berry’s Easy Tomato Soup With Pesto Recipe?
Yes, you can make several substitutions depending on your preferences. For instance, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free pesto or leave out the pesto entirely. If you prefer a creamier soup, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk. Additionally, if you don’t have fresh oregano, dried oregano works perfectly as a substitute.
