Savor the Comfort of Dad’s Tomato Rice Soup

You know, there’s something absolutely magical about a warm, steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s Dad’s Tomato Rice Soup. I can almost smell the rich tomatoes and fresh basil wafting through the air as I write this. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening—just pure comfort, you know? The kind that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. And honestly, it’s that perfect balance of flavors that really hits the spot… each spoonful just warms you right up.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super easy to whip together, like… just a few minutes and you’re there!
• Perfect for any time – lunch, dinner, or those moments when you just need something cozy.
• Packed with flavor, yet it somehow feels light—just a really satisfying dish.
• You can totally personalize it with your favorite veggies or herbs—so many options!
• It’s a dish that really brings everyone together… just like family dinners should.

My family fights over the last bowl every single time… it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, just enough to get things sizzling
• Onion: 1, finely chopped, because it’s the base of so many good things
• Carrot: 1, peeled and diced, adds a nice sweetness
• Celery: 1 stick, diced, for that little crunch
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, can we ever have enough garlic?
• Canned tomatoes: 400g, the heart of the soup really
• Vegetable stock: 1 liter, giving it that depth
• Cooked rice: 150g, to make it fill up your tummy
• Fresh basil: a small bunch, chopped, for that burst of freshness
• Sea salt and black pepper: to taste, because you gotta season it right!

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alrighty, so first things first—let’s prepare our ingredients. You wanna gather everything because it makes it so much easier when you’re cooking. Chop those tomatoes, and finely dice your onion and garlic—it’s all about that flavor, and it’s gonna smell amazing, trust me. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in that chopped onion and let it cook until it softens up, oh, I’d say about 5 minutes? Then add in the minced garlic for… just another minute. You’ll get that aroma filling your kitchen and it’s just… heavenly!

Now, chop those fresh tomatoes and add them to your pot. You’ll wanna stir this mix until the tomatoes start breaking down, releasing all their juicy goodness. At this point, you can just picture it… everything mingling together.

Next, time to stir in the cooked rice. Let it toast for just a couple of minutes; this adds a nice depth of flavor. Then, pour in the stock, making sure it fully covers the rice and tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. You know it’s ready when the rice is nice and tender.

Once it’s done, taste and see what it needs. Maybe a sprinkle more of salt or pepper, and perhaps a handful of those fresh basil leaves for that vibrant finish. Serve it warm, with some extra basil on top if you’re feeling fancy!

Good to Know

• If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some extra veggies—spinach, zucchinis, whatever you like works well!
• Leftovers? Perfect! Store it in the fridge; it’ll taste even better the next day.
• This soup pairs sooo well with a crunchy piece of bread; you definitely need to dunk that!

Serving Ideas

• Try serving it with a nice green salad on the side; it really rounds out the meal.

Top Tricks

• If you want a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for an unexpected twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of rice for this soup?

Absolutely, you can swap in whatever rice you have on hand, just keep in mind that the cooking time might be a bit different if you use something like brown rice—it takes longer to cook, you know?

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And all your other ingredients are already plant-based!

Can I add protein to this soup?

For sure! You could toss in some cooked chicken or even lentils to give it a nice boost. Totally your call!

How long can I store the soup?

This soup lasts about three days in the fridge, but you can also freeze it for a month if you want to save some for later!

What herbs work well with this recipe?

Fresh basil is fantastic, but you could also try parsley or oregano if that’s what you’ve got. Each one will give it a different vibe!

Conclusion

So there you have it—Dad’s Tomato Rice Soup is that quintessential comfort food, combining all those lovely flavors into one pot. It’s simple to make, and honestly, it just makes any meal feel special. And… you can always mix it up depending on what you love or have on hand. I mean, it’s really hard to go wrong when it comes to soup!

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

• Spicy Tomato and Chickpea Soup: Perfect for those who crave a little heat, adding chickpeas gives it a nice protein punch.
• Tomato Basil Risotto: A creamy twist that’s sure to impress, especially with fresh basil on top.
• Tomato and Vegetable Stew: Just packed with nutrients; this one is hard to beat.
• Tomato Feta Pasta: Quick and delightful, it’s all about those roasted tomatoes and crumbled feta.
• Caprese Salad: Light and fresh, it’s a perfect side—so refreshing while you dive into that soup.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Tomato Rice: A fun way to combine two dishes, these make for such a fulfilling meal!