In my first soup series post, I mentioned how I still occasionally have Campbell's tomato soup, even though it's loaded with salt and sugar (that's why it's occasionally). I have yet to make a homemade tomato soup I find to be as comforting (though I'm working on it) as that childhood favorite.Recently, Imagine brand's Organic Creamy Tomato soup was on special at the HWFC. It is low in sugar and calories (the sodium is quite high, though), and as a quick and easy meal, I thought I'd give it a try.
On it's own, the soup is good, but I wouldn't say it's great. However, when I decided to add (as my mom used to do to Campbell's) some tiny pasta (Tinkyada brown rice gluten free shells), some fresh baby spinach, fresh ground pepper, and some grated Parmesan cheese, it was delicious. It totally had the warming, filling comfort you look for in soup. The tomato flavor seemed to shine against the slight bitterness of the spinach, and the soup soaked into the al dente pasta making it more flavorful. And of course, the fresh pepper and cheese complemented the flavor of all the ingredients.
No, it's not homemade, but when it's doctored a bit, it almost seems like it is. I'll be picking up another box of the soup to have on hand for those cold nights when I want a warm, quick, but satisfying meal.
Other add-ins that might be good: cannellini beans sauteed with garlic and onions, homemade garlic butter croutons, or steamed cauliflower and broccoli--or any combination of those.
Quick Tip: If you do use fresh baby spinach, like I did, I suggest putting the spinach on the bottom of each bowl and then pouring the hot soup over it. That way the spinach cooks a little without wilting to the point of almost disappearing. :)
Buon Appetito!
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