Looking to add some texture to my tomato soup recipe

Question

I have been working on perfecting a tomato soup recipe for the past month or so and I've reached the point where the soup itself is to my liking.

I am now trying to figure out the garnish and so far I've decided on a dollop of creme fraiche and a few drops of basil infused oil.

Presentation wise, the red, white and green looks fantastic, but the one element I'm missing is texture. You see, the soup is very smooth as are the creme fraiche and oil, so I'm looking to add some contrasting texture. I am at a loss of what would pair well with tomatoes. Does anyone have any suggestions to add some "crunch" to my soup?

I was about to answer "Grilled cheddar on sourdough", and then realized that you might mean in the soup rather than a pair to the soup. — baka, Sep 05 '11 at 18:12

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 05 '11 at 23:58

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Croutons. They are a cinch to make at home, and just top with lemon and garlic. Or, if you are pressed for time, get some at the store.

answered Sep 05 '11 at 23:58

Jake Robinson

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score 4 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 15:57

This may be a cliched answer, but for my money it doesn't get any better than homemade crostini. A narrow baguette, sliced 1/4 inch thick, brushed with a little olive oil or butter and toasted on a pan in the oven - yum! You can also rub a halved clove of garlic on the toasted slices for another flavor.

score 3 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 00:11

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Tortilla (flour or corn) strips, pan fried, make for a nice crunch that is complimentary. They add a little crunch, but don't overwhelm.

answered Sep 06 '11 at 00:11

rfusca

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score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 16:11

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Bacon :o.. Or you could bake some prosciutto and crumble that on top.

answered Sep 06 '11 at 16:11

Manako

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Now you're talkin' :) – Derek Hunziker Sep 06 '11 at 21:15

score 1 · Answer 5 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 04:08

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Rice works well. You can cook rice just for this purpose, but it's even more efficient to use leftover rice from the previous few days.

To top it off, add dried basil and some finely shredded cheddar to the top of the soup.

answered Sep 06 '11 at 04:08

Dave Deaven

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Very interesting thanks! I might give 'puffed' rice a try... the kind that are similar to Kellogg's Rice Krispies. – Derek Hunziker Sep 06 '11 at 04:23

score 1 · Answer 6 · answered Jan 12 '12 at 17:30

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I often add pulses to soups. Even after blending I find they give a delicious sort of 'grainy' texture that adds an extra dimension to the soup. Try red lentils, or butterbeans, or even a tin of baked beans.

answered Jan 12 '12 at 17:30

Ruth Barton

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score 0 · Answer 7 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 12:51

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Hard boiled eggs, sliced in half boats gives a nice addition to tomato soup. It's not "crunchy", but it tastes great!

answered Sep 06 '11 at 12:51

awe

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score 0 · Answer 8 · answered Sep 06 '11 at 21:09

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Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich!

answered Sep 06 '11 at 21:09

Kyri Sarantakos

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score -1 · Answer 9 · edited Nov 02 '12 at 19:10

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Just came across your post and thought I would present a recent recipe I have tried and is getting great feedback. My easy tomato and basil soup gives great texture as I blend the roughly chopped cooked vegetables rather than the usual smooth finish.

edited Nov 02 '12 at 19:10

KatieK

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answered Jan 12 '12 at 16:35

Fleeps

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Looking to add some texture to my tomato soup recipe

9 Answers9