When I first went to live in Greece over a decade ago, I got a job as a teacher of English as a foreign language. Just after arriving in the country after driving all the way from London in my trusty little grey Ford Fiesta, I went to see my new boss and was given a pile of books that I’d need to prepare and teach my lessons.
Then, on my first day of teaching I carried the books out to the car with butterflies in my stomach and laid them carefully on top of my car as I got in. Maybe you can guess what’s coming next. With my mind totally on the prospect of the day’s lessons ahead, in the few seconds between putting the books on the car roof and opening the car door, I totally forgot to retrieve the books. And so I started the engine and drove off. Yes, I honestly did this.
Within about half a minute, I saw something whip off the top of the car out of the corner of my eye. Even at this point it took a moment for me to realise what had happened. Totally shocked at myself and with an immediate sick feeling in my stomach, I stopped the car as soon as I could and was somewhat relieved to see that a few of the books were still miraculously clinging to the top of the car. I turned the car around, retraced my route and tried to spot the rest of the books, but as I remember only found one or two. The rest were never to be seen again.
I was dreading telling my boss what had happened, but luckily she saw the funny side above anything else. She also told me a story to help me to feel better. Apparently someone she knew had once done the same thing with a lasagna she had made to take to an event! Hilarious (but I’m sure not at the time).
Now I hope you’ll believe me when I say this incident was a one-off kind of thing (hopefully never to be repeated) but I have to admit I do still have the odd forgetful and clumsy moments. Especially clumsy moments. Since we’ve been married, Mr. Scrummy has winced as I’ve inexplicably jumped while taking coffee out of the microwave and thrown it up a freshly-painted wall, spilt beer all over my dad’s plate of fish and chips and tipped a whole hot cup of tea down the side of our bed. Needless to say, he won’t let me anywhere near his computer with glasses or cups of anything.
So with this knowledge of my propensity to splash things up walls and the like, I’m very surprised that my husband let me loose with a hand held blender
I have to admit I did indeed splash a little (Oh OK then, quite a lot) up the walls, appliances and up myself while trying to get the hang of the blender, but I reckon it was more than worth it to get such a fresh-tasting batch of tomato soup as this turned out to be. Tomato soup is one of those soups that I’ve always resisted making a little for fear of it turning out like liquidised tinned tomatoes, but I needn’t have worried because this was truly delicious – in a very simple kind of way. As well as tomatoes, I added stock, a carrot, celery, a little garlic, an onion and plenty of fresh basil and freshly ground salt and pepper. After blending, I added a drizzle or two of balsamic vinegar and a spoonful of sugar to give the taste a little extra ‘oomph’.
This is a great simple, classic soup to have in your soup-making repertoire. The best thing is that you can have it ready for a quick and healthy lunch in next to no time, depending on how quickly you chop.
I served this to my mum on Monday with plenty of parmesan-encrusted toasts and a spoonful of creamy Greek yoghurt stirred in, and the proof was in the pudding, if you like, because my mum raved and raved about the soup. And of course there is no greater endorsement than that. I even sent her home with a couple of sticks of celery so that she could make her own.
An easy, classic tomato soup
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped finely
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped into small pieces (optional)
- 2 sticks of celery chopped finely
- 2 garlic cloves sliced or crushed
- 28 ounces of tomatoes in their juice (two cans) whole or chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock best quality
- freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- a drizzle or two of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon or so of sugar optional
to serve (optional)
- bread or rolls sprinkled with parmesan cheese and broiled UK = grilled!
- a little Greek yoghurt or cream to stir in at the table
Instructions
-
Heat up a good lug of olive oil in a large deep pan on a medium heat, then add the onion, carrot (if using) and celery. Put the lid on the pan and leave it all to cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
-
Add the tomatoes and stock and simmer for another ten minutes.
-
Blend the soup until smooth with a food processor or hand held blender (or you can leave it a little chunky if you prefer), then add salt and pepper to taste and the basil and blend for a few seconds longer.
-
Tip the soup back in the pan and add the vinegar and sugar if including. Heat back up a little if necessary and serve, with bread and yoghurt/cream if you like.
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[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
Hahahah.. I can so relate to this.. spill, break trip.. and so on.. infact my hubby has given me a name ‘disaster zone’.. 🙁
I love the tomato soup.. love how eay it is to whip up.. delicious and flavourful. .
Helen says
Hey, thanks Arpita! So glad you like this. It really was easy to whip up – both in the pan and up myself … haha! 😉
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
You are not alone! I have seen many items on top of other cars’ hoods or roofs (especially coffee mugs!) while driving about. I always get a chuckle if I can’t get the driver’s attention to let them know of the impending splat that will come shortly! Love the story, Helen!
Your soup looks heavenly. I just wrote a post on soup and wish I had linked to your wonderful recipe, but I will pin instead. Soup time it is!
Mira says
Similar things happen to me when I get over excited 🙂 I love tomato soup and in fact I use a pretty similar recipe and it is delicious! Yours looks amazing, I love the addition of balsamic vinegar!
Helen says
So happy you like this, Mira. And even happier that it isn’t just me who is such a clumsy klutz sometimes! 🙂
sue/the view from great island says
Oh that story was hard to read, Helen — it got my stomach in a knot just thinking about it! This soup, however, is perfect, and makes it all better!
Helen says
Oh no! So sorry to have stressed you out! Actually, though, I totally understand. I can get a bit stressed sometimes when hearing about other people’s hairy situations. Hopefully the soup made you feel better, too, though!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
I can totally relate. And I have loved tomato soup for my entire life. It is the best. Love how good your recipe looks. Must try
Helen says
Hahaha … so glad it’s not just me that does such things! So glad you like the soup, Kathy. I was afraid it was too simple post, but then I thought ‘Hey, why not? Everyone likes a good tomato soup!’
Judit | Glamorous Bite says
Ha ha Helen, sorry for laughing but it made me remember the 5kg bag of potatoes wich I forgot on top of my car many years ago. Your tomato soup looks delciious and love the added creamy Greek yoghurt.
Helen says
Hahaha … I can just see those potatoes plopping off the top of the car in dribs and drabs. I bet there was someone who didn’t have to go shopping for potatoes that day!
Joanne says
To be honest, this definitely sounds like something I would do. At least you can laugh about it now!
This soup. Mmmm. The perfect comfort food!
Helen says
Yes, well there are enough years between myself and the incident to have a good old laugh, I suppose. At the time though I was so so embarrassed. I felt so stupid!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
Oh Helen, this soup looks wonderful and easy. Although I wish that big pot was sitting on my burner right now instead of yours!!! Ha. Can you pop it over? I love tomato soup, it’s my favorite. In the past, my T. soup has been blah, so I’m eager to try yours. I too, Love the idea of adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, and don’t laugh, I’ve just been using that ingredient for about a year now but adore it.
Helen says
Now would I laugh at you, Laura? I wouldn’t dare, because there are plenty of things that I’ve only just started using, or haven’t even used yet at all – like freekah, and caramel and … etc. etc. etc. I’m so glad you like the look of this soup. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure about posting this because it’s so so so simple, but then I thought ‘well, why not?’ Part of the reason I love having this blog is to file away recipes for myself so I figure if it’s a recipe that I want to make again then someone else might benefit from it, too.
I agree that balsamic vinegar is just da bomb! I always throw a bit in my salads and it’s great in anything tomatoey.
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I adore a simple tomato soup especially with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or some coconut milk.
Helen says
Ooh, I would never have thought of adding coconut milk, but what a great idea! I’ll try that next time … 🙂
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
You are not alone, Helen. I can’t count the times I have witnessed many a coffee cup on a roof of a car driving down the road. If I can’t get the attention of the driver, I just wince and wait for the splat of it hitting the road!
This soup looks yummy. I wrote about soup making this week and wish I had linked to this great recipe, but will surely pin it! Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Helen says
Hi, Lori – I managed to retrieve your comment … hooray!!
I had no idea leaving things on the top of the car was so common – makes me feel a bit better about my stupidity, that’s for sure!
Thanks for wishing you had linked to this … you’re so sweet! So glad you like it!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
I have definitely fallen victim to the same kind of forgetfulness! I think we’ve all done that at least once or twice in our lives… This soup is just wonderful, especially on a dreary day like today!
Helen says
Yes, I’m learning through these comments that nearly everyone has done this. At least it’s not just me!
Glad you like the soup, Allie!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
hahaha oh dear! I am glad that your boss saw the funny side of it though.
This is pretty much how I make my tomato soup too, although I add a lot more garlic to it 😉
Helen says
Ooh, well maybe next time I’ll add a bit more garlic, too. Glad to have made you chuckle, Dannii 😉
Annie @Maebells says
Everyone needs a classic tomato soup recipe! Love this! With a grilled cheese, of course! 🙂
Helen says
But of course! This soup just wouldn’t have been the same at all without the parmesan toasts. 🙂
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I’m sorry that I’m over here laughing! You must be my twin. While I’ve had this same incident, I’m a total klutz. My foot will find the only rock or ice patch in the entire parking lot. My husband is sort of used to it by now. Lol.
Tomato soup has never looked so good! I’m impressed and I totally need to make this. 🙂
Helen says
Haha … I guess that’s one way to look at it – my husband will soon get used to all the accidents and spillages!! Just so long as they happen far far away from his laptop! 🙂
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
Awwww, you must be so excited to be able to cook for your mum again! That’s so nice! I am exactly like you, Helen. I am the first person to leave crap on top of my car or lose things constantly (keys and cell phone are always missing). I swear I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached to the rest of me! In any case… I too have an immersion blender that I have never used and expect I’ll make a mess with, but this soup is pretty compelling! As you say over there across the pond, perhaps it’s time I “had a go”!
Helen says
Hahaha … you are learning some ‘British’! I definitely think you should have a go at this, Meggan … splatters or no splatters. As I just said to Nagi, at least it is nearly Halloween!! lol!
Have a great weekend!
marcie says
Oh, those kinds of things have happened to all of us, Helen (well, they sure have to ME). 🙂 Thank goodness your boss was good about it! This soup looks so comforting, perfect for curling up on a cold night with grilled cheese! 🙂
Helen says
Phew … I’m learning through these comments that nearly EVERYONE has done something like this. Thank goodness I’m not the only one! I definitely serve this soup with grilled cheese. And yes, so comforting for Autumn!
[email protected] Eats says
Your posts always crack me up! It’s like reading a little comedy novel each time, then it’s topped off with a fab recipe! I think what you did is more common that you think 🙂 I did it with my WALLET. Seriously. I had a tray of coffee and my wallet. The tray of coffee made it in my car, my wallet did not. Luckily a good citizen found it and handed it in to the policy!! This is a great classic recipe, I don’t have a tomato soup recipe and with summer coming up this is perfect to make. Re: stick blender, I used to have that problem too. With a tomato soup it would have looked like someone had been attacked with a knife in my kitchen! Sorry about the morbid vision, but soup would go EVERYWHERE! The trick I learnt was to make sure there the blender part is fully submerged in liquid. If need be, tilt the saucepan on the side to do this 🙂
Helen says
Hahahahaha … oh my goodness your comment is making me crack up right now. I mean I’m sure it wasn’t funny at the time, but what a great story to tell now! It really makes me feel better about just leaving my books there.
Oh, and thanks so much for the stick blender tips. I was going to ask if any one had any but thankfully you beat me to it! (love the image of the knife attack in my kitchen … haha. Well, it is nearly Halloween!!)
Have a fabulous spring weekend, Nagi 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oh Helen! I’m paranoid about leaving something on the roof of my car. Awhile back I saw someone driving with a pizza on their roof. I tried to get their attention while waiting at a light but they didn’t see me. On my way back home I saw the smushed box and pizza slices scattered on the road. So sad!! I can only imagine the reaction of the pizza buyer’s family when he/she returned home without the pizza!
This tomato soup looks perfect! Such a classic meal…I love the parmesan toasts!
Helen says
Oh my goodness I am cracking up right now at this story! I can just imagine the faces of his family when they had no pizza when he got home. Hilarious!!
cheri says
Hi Helen, my husband is always leaving things on the top of the car, I mean it has been twenty something years now for pete’s sake. So glad your boss saw the funny side…..Love that you added vinegar to your soup, looks delicious!
Helen says
Hi, Cheri! I’m glad to hear that this is a common thing to do – sorry that you have to keep putting up with hubby doing this all the time though. I dread to think what you’ve lost that way!!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I know people who’ve done the same with cellphones and prescription glasses. Great recipe and I’m glad you used the stick blender with such success. The mess is easy to clean at least 🙂
Helen says
Oh my goodness, I can’t imagine doing that with my phone or glasses … what a nightmare! The books were really nothing … Glad you like the recipe, Tandy. It’s very simple, but sometimes simple is best!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
hahaha I’m sure this must have been a terrible moment when it happened but it’s so cute!!!!! I can relate with everything you’ve said! I’m just as clumsy as you are, I’m guessing this is all food bloggers’ common trait? hehehe!!!! 😀 I’m loving this tomato soup!!!!!! It’s my favorite kind of soup and every time I crave comfort food, tomato soup tops my list! I’ve recently purchased a hand blender so I’m very excited to make a proper soup instead of ordering it from a restaurant!!!!
Helen says
I love my little hand blender, even though I have to issue a splatter alert every time I use it … haha! So glad you like it, Samina! 🙂
Eva says
J’adore lire tes anecdotes Helen, il me font toujours rigolé ! Ta soupe a l’air superbe et j’aime beaucoup la présentation ! Je te souhaite un très bon weekend “chez toi” !
Helen says
Je te souhaite un tres bon weekend, toi aussi, Eva! Merci pour l’encouragement encore une fois. Ca me fait plaisir que mes anecdotes te font rigole! 🙂
Kathleen @ hapanom says
You’re story is so funny and so relatable! This totally sounds like something I would do – in fact, I just spilled soup all over the floor last night when I was doing the dishes! The soup looks fantastic! I think I’ll make myself a big ol’ batch of this the next time I make grilled cheese sandwiches – a match made in heaven 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Kathleen! So happy to have made you smile a little with this post. I think we food bloggers are all the same – always chucking things around and making a big old mess! So glad you like the soup, too – enjoy!
whatjessicabakednext says
Love tomato soup, one of my favourites! Classic recipes are always the best!
Helen says
Agreed! Thanks, Jess! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You definitely can’t go wrong with a classic tomato soup. This looks fantastic, Helen! I would love to dip my grilled cheese sandwich in this soup!
Helen says
Hi, Gayle, and so glad you approve of this. You’re right that you can’t really go wrong. And the grilled cheese is definitely a must!
[email protected] says
Classic tomato soup is my go to comfort food always!! Throw in some cheesy garlic bread and some tv, I am one happy person!!
Helen says
Ooh, cheesy garlic bread – that’s what I’ll make next time to go with this! 🙂
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Happy I came across your blog and happy to hear I am not the only clumsy one out there 🙂 I almost dropped my entire tea on my laptop the other day!
And this tomato soup looks so simple and delicious! Right up my alley 🙂 Pinned!
Helen says
Hi, Ceara! So happy to ‘meet’ you – and that you’re a bit clumsy, too 😉 Thank goodness you didn’t spill that tea … that would have been a bit of a heart-stopper!
So glad you like the soup and thanks so much for pinning!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Tomato soup is one of my favorites, and an easy recipe is a must-have! This one looks so delicious – pinned!
Helen says
Hi Rachel …. thanks so much for the pin! Really glad you like the soup!
Karla - The Candid Kitchen says
Hi Helen, I was really missing stopping by to say hello and check your lovely recipes =) Busy weeks…
I´m a big tomato soup fan, I love the classics!
Helen says
Hi, Karla! Don’t worry! I’ve been a bit the same lately. I’m finding it very hard to keep up with commenting etc. (actually with blogging in general) but that’s OK – I think it happens to all of us sometimes 🙂
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
Yumm! I love tomato soup. This recipe looks so easy and so good can’t wait to try.
Helen says
Hi, Kelley! Thanks so much for passing by. And so glad you like the soup!
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
Helen, I’m finally catching up on many of the posts I’ve missed while taking a break to get settled in our new home.
Oh boy! I think everyone has one of those I-left-it-on-top-of-the-car or I-know-someone-who-left-it-on-top-of-the-car stories! I’m glad that your boss was understanding.
This soup looks incredible. I’m a big fan of tomato soup. The nights are starting to get chilly here, and that makes me excited for soup season!
Helen says
Hi, Ashley! Snap, then! So I’m sure you can understand how tiring moving is … crazy, isn’t it? I’ve been keeping the blog going but sometimes it seems like only barely!
Anyway, I’ll be popping over to your blog again soon to catch up with you. So glad you settling in and getting back to normal again, too! 🙂