Tomato Rice Soup

“Tomato Rice Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of tomatoes with the heartiness of rice, perfect for cooler days or when you crave a wholesome meal. This recipe begins with sautéing onions, celery, and garlic until tender, creating a fragrant base.

With the addition of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of herbs, the soup simmers to perfection, infusing each spoonful with robust flavors. The addition of white rice adds a satisfying texture, making this soup a complete and nourishing option for any occasion.”

How to make Tomato Rice Soup

Ingredients:

2 tbs butter or Canola oil

2 medium yellow onions (finely chopped)

3 celery stalks (finely chopped)

2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)

Instructions:

Sauté the above ingredients until transparent, not brown (use cover)

Add 2 large cans (29oz) of diced tomatoes – I prefer petite diced tomatoes but can’t find 29oz, so I buy 4 x 14.5oz.

Add 2- 32oz boxes of Swanson Chicken Broth

Add 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved into 3 cups of water – I used Better Than Bullion

Bring to a boil.

Add 1/4 tsp thyme, 1/4 tsp basil, 2 bay leaves, Salt & pepper to taste

Add 1 cup of white rice (which has been rinsed before adding to the pot)

Simmer approximately 30 minutes

Notes:

Sautéing Aromatics: Cooking the onions, celery, and garlic until they are transparent but not browned helps develop a savory base for the soup without overpowering flavors.

Tomatoes: Using canned diced tomatoes, preferably petite diced for a smoother texture, provides a robust tomato flavor. Adjusting with multiple cans if a larger size isn’t available ensures the right amount of tomatoes.

Chicken Broth: Using Swanson Chicken Broth adds depth and richness to the soup. Adjusting the amount based on personal preference for brothiness is possible.

Flavor Enhancers: Dissolving chicken bouillon cubes in water enhances the soup’s savory taste, especially when using Better Than Bouillon for added richness.

Herbs and Seasoning: Adding thyme, basil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper balances the flavors and complements the tomato base. Adjusting seasoning to taste ensures a well-rounded soup.

Rice Addition: Including rinsed white rice adds heartiness and texture to the soup. Simmering for about 30 minutes allows the rice to absorb flavors while becoming tender.

Simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer ensures that all ingredients meld together, enhancing flavors and creating a cohesive dish.

Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on personal preferences, such as more or less herbs, additional seasoning, or adjusting broth consistency.

Serving: Serve the Tomato Rice Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness, if desired.

Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.

How do I adjust the cooking time if I want the rice to be softer or firmer?

For softer rice, you can simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes.

For firmer rice, reduce the simmering time by 5-10 minutes.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice.

Brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so adjust the simmering time accordingly or partially cook it before adding to the soup.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice before adding it to the soup?

Yes, rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky during cooking.

Can I freeze this soup for later use?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Thaw and reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this Tomato Rice Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.

How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

What should I do if the soup becomes too thick after cooking?

You can thin the soup with additional chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup in advance for a party or gathering?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.