Smoky Tomato Soup with Cheesy Crostini
Serving meals that do not include meats, poultry or fish can sometimes be a challenge for me. Earlier this year I requested to review a book that had just been released by Judith Finlayson – The Vegetarian Slow Cooker: Over 200 Delicious Recipes
Like most slow cooker recipes, there is some prep work required before adding it to the slow cooker. However, the prep work was minimal and so worth it for the deep flavors that this seemingly simple soup boasts. I wouldn’t have thought of using allspice in a soup, but the combination of ingredients and the paprika was truly flavorful. There is a small amount of cream (or soy cream if you wish) that’s added towards the end of the soup and that’s just part of the soup’s surprise. The crispy crostini, topped with a generous slice of creamy and pungent fontina cheese (you can substitute vegan melting cheese) is the icing on the cake!
The soup is a light meal on it’s own, or serve a small side salad or half a sandwich for a larger meal.
- Could not find smoked paprika, so used regular paprika.
- You’ll need at least a 4 quart slow cooker for this recipe.
- If you purée in a blender, you must do this in small batches at a time. If your blender has a pulse setting, you should use it to control the warm ingredients being puréed.
by Judith FinlaysonServes 6
Medium (approximately a 4 quart) slow cooker
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
5 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup heavy or whipping cream or soy creamer, divided
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (hot or sweet)
12 slices baguette
Fontina or vegan melting cheese alternative, thinly sliced
Parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery and cook, stirring, until softened about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, peppercorns and allspice and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to boil. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware.
Stir in broth. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours OR on High for 3 hours. Purée using an immersion blender. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, do this in a stand blender or food processor, in batches, and return to stoneware.)
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the cream and smoked paprika. Mix until blended. Add remaining cream and stir well. Add to stoneware and stir well. Cover and cook on High for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Fontina Cheese
Meanwhile, preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast under broiler, turning once. Lay cheese slices over top of each and broil until melted. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and float crostini on each serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Slow Cooker
Being fairly new to using a slow cooker, I can say that this experience turned out well and the soup was so tasty, that I’m looking forward to my next slow cooker meal! I may just be hooked! If you have any recipes, tips or suggestions for me on using a slow cooker…I’d love for you to share it with me…please. =)
About The Vegetarian Slow Cooker: Over 200 Delicious Recipes
- Bread and Breakfast
- Starters and Snacks
- Soups, Fondues and Savories
- Mostly Veggies
- Pasta and Grains
- Beans, Lentils, Tempeh and Tofu
- Sides
- Desserts
Most of the recipes have notes on tips, suggestions on what can be prepared ahead of time and whether the recipe is Vegan Friendly, Entertainment Worthy and if it can safely be halved. I’ll be sharing more recipes from this book and my slow cooker! Beautiful supporting food photography is used for many of the recipes throughout the cookbook. It’s a nicely laid out book with recipes not only for everyday dishes, but tasty meals that can be served when entertaining.
Alina says
Looks very healthy and delicious! Love the inclusion of celery. The picture with a slice of toasted baguette looks sooo inviting!
denise @ quickies on the dinner table says
I love tomato soup and this is just beautiful! Love the photos!
viviane bauquet farre / food & style says
I’m a pimenton addict! It’s smoky flavor is so addictive… Beautiful recipe & post!
bunkycooks says
Tomato soup is one of my favorites! I love the smoked paprika in this version. I pull our my slow cooker periodically, but know I could do so much more with it. If I have anything great to share, I will let you know!
Katie@Cozydelicious says
This soup looks wonderful! Since I have a CSA share bursting with tomatoes, I wonder if I could sub in fresh tomatoes? I love the idea of using my slow cooker to make fresh, summery tomato soup!
Patty Price says
Love your soup recipe and the smoked paprika. I like my slow cooker, it’s like coming home and having someone in your kitchen making a great meal for you while you were out running around!
Roti n Rice says
The soup looks awesome. This will make a great lunch!
sippitysup says
The soup looks fabulous. I think smoked paprika is very special and a great addition to this soup. GREG
Kristi Rimkus says
My favorite tomato soup is a basil version, but this sounds terrific. I’ll have to give it a try.
Emily @Cleanliness says
This is an amazing tomato soup recipe!!!
Angie's Recipes says
What a great cheesy soup! And smoky tomatoes! A great combination of flavours.
Judy says
I love tomato soup AND I love crostini. I’m guilty of getting my fix at Nordie’s cafe but I am now inspired to try and make it at home w/ your recipe. I love cooking with my slow cooker. Thank you!
citronetvanille says
Oh I love this soup, I never used a slow cooker but it seems like a great tool to have. That is definitely my type of soup and a meal in itself with the tartine!
redkathy says
Oh this soup looks fabulous. The Fonita cheese and smoked paprika, well those pushed it over the top! Can you believe I never prepared tomato soup?
Noelle@Opera Singer in the Kitchen says
Sounds lovely! Nice picture too!
HeatherFeather says
This looks fantastic – I have to try it. So my kind of thing.
Belinda @zomppa says
This is not your Campbell’s tomato soup! The smokiness is so nice.
Julie M. says
I love tomato soup. This one looks delicious. I need to use my slow cooker more too. I always think about it but never actually get it out and use it like I should. That looks like a good cookbook!