Homegrown Puerto Rican Tomato Soup with Saffron!
Welcome to a flavorful journey that begins in the heart of Puerto Rico and blossoms in your kitchen. This Puerto Rican Tomato Soup with Saffron celebrates the vibrancy of homegrown produce and the bold flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. Inspired by the first ripe tomatoes from my own garden, this recipe is a heartfelt tribute to the joy of cooking from scratch. Perfect as a comforting meal or an elegant starter, this soup is an invitation to explore bold flavors and simple techniques.
Why You Should Try This Recipe?
Healthy and Wholesome: Made with fresh ingredients that nourish and delight.
A Cultural Journey: Introduces the bold flavors of Puerto Rican Sazón seasoning and culantro.
Versatile and Adaptable: Enjoy it as a light meal or dress it up for dinner parties.
Easy to Prepare: Straightforward steps that deliver big results.
Ingredients for the Soup:
6 ripe homegrown tomatoes, peeled, seeds removed, and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh Mexican coriander (culantro), chopped (substitute cilantro if needed)
1 small pinch of saffron threads (about 5–10 threads), steeped in warm broth
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers (for serving)
For the Sazón Seasoning:
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions Cooking the beloved and sure fresh Puerto Rican Tomato Soup!
Step 1: Steep the Saffron
Steep the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water or broth for 5–10 minutes to release their vibrant color and delicate flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Add the peeled, seedless tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Mix the Sazón Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Stir the seasoning into the pot and sauté briefly to bloom the spices. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and the saffron liquid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until silky.
Step 6: Add Freshness
Stir in the chopped culantro and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamy texture, you can swirl in heavy cream or sour cream.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with crackers on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh culantro or a drizzle of cream for a finishing touch.
Tips for Success
Peeling Tomatoes: To peel tomatoes easily, score the skin with an "X," blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water.
Substitutions: No saffron? Use a pinch of turmeric for color. No culantro? Substitute with fresh cilantro.
Make It Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
Why People Love This Recipe
A Taste of Puerto Rico: The combination of saffron and culantro creates a unique, flavorful experience.
Homegrown Pride: Perfect for showcasing fresh tomatoes from your garden.
Comfort and Elegance: Equally suited for casual lunches or fancy gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of high-quality canned tomatoes. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crackers are a classic choice, but crusty bread, a light salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich pair beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of chili powder or a diced jalapeño if you prefer a little heat.
Try this Puerto Rican Tomato Soup with Saffron today and bring the bold, fresh flavors of the island to your table. Have questions or feedback? Tag us on social media with your creations—we’d love to see how you make it your own!
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