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Barefoot Contessa tomato soup with orzo

Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup with Orzo
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This soup features a rich tomato base simmered with aromatics and herbs, then blended until smooth and finished with orzo pasta and a splash of cream. Ina Garten elevates this classic by balancing acidity, sweetness, and creaminess, resulting in a velvety soup that’s satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can San Marzano whole tomatoes

  • 3 cups chicken stock (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup orzo pasta

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Add tomatoes and broth

Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer and blend

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches using a standard blender.

Step 4: Cook the orzo

While the soup is simmering, cook orzo in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add cream and basil

Stir the heavy cream and chopped basil into the blended soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Stir in the cooked orzo just before serving. Ladle into bowls, garnish with more basil and Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/barefoot-contessa-tomato-soup-with-orzo/