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Velvety Gnocchi Tomato Soup
There's nothing quite like walking into a warm home and whipping up a bowl of hearty tomato soup on a cold day. But this isn't your regular tomato soup - it's packed with soft, fluffy gnocchi and blended with coconut milk for an amazingly smooth finish. Through many test runs and family meals, I've nailed this dish that turns basic cupboard items into something truly satisfying.
This soup was a lifesaver throughout last winter on many hectic evenings. My daughter gets back late from swim practice, and coming home to this warm, comforting soup has become our little ritual. She always goes for the gnocchi first - and honestly, who wouldn't?
Key Ingredients
Fire-roasted Tomatoes: The charred pieces add amazing richness. Regular tomatoes just won't do the same job
Fresh Gnocchi: Find these in the chilled pasta area. They should be soft and airy, not heavy
Coconut Milk: Gives that smooth, silky texture without any dairy. Don't worry, it won't taste like coconut
Fresh Basil: Brings freshness and that wonderful Italian smell
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Now I'll walk you through putting it all together...
The Secret To Amazing Flavor
Heat up some olive oil in your biggest pot - I use my trusty old Dutch oven that's helped make countless soups. Throw in chopped onions until they're soft and golden and smell wonderful. Add minced garlic just until you can smell it - roughly 30 seconds will do. You'll catch that garlicky smell right away when it's ready.
Dump in the fire-roasted tomatoes and watch the magic start. Those charred bits make this soup extra special - they add a flavor you can't get any other way. Pour in the broth, a bit of brown sugar (a trick from my neighbor's Italian grandma), and just a touch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick.
Let it all bubble for about 10 minutes. During this time, I usually get some crusty bread ready and pull out the butter. Now for the fun bit - blend it up, leaving some chunks if you like it more rustic. I've learned to put a kitchen towel over the blender after one particularly messy cleanup!
Bringing It All Together
Once your base tastes just right, toss in the soft gnocchi. You'll know they're done when they float up like tiny pillows doing a happy dance. Stir in the coconut milk and watch how it turns the soup into this gorgeous, smooth creation. Tear up some fresh basil and throw it in at the very end.
This soup has turned into our Friday night go-to meal. When everyone's beat from the week and wants something soothing, this always hits the spot. I sometimes add handfuls of spinach or top it with crunchy garlic breadcrumbs, but honestly, the basic recipe is so tasty it doesn't need much else.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup steaming hot in large bowls - the kind that warm your hands when you hold them. I love finishing each bowl with a drizzle of coconut milk, some torn basil leaves, and freshly ground pepper. Those little final touches make each serving feel extra special.
For company,
a loaf of crusty bread works wonders for sopping up the last bits of soup. My family always argues over who gets the final swipe at the bowl! A basic green salad with just lemon juice and olive oil cuts through the richness perfectly.
Fun Variations
During hot months, I top it with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes. In cold weather, I go for crispy sage leaves with a touch of browned butter. When we need more protein, I mix in some white beans or add crunchy roasted chickpeas on top.
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Keeping Leftovers
This soup stays good for 4-5 days when kept in the fridge. Just add a bit more broth when warming it up since those gnocchi will soak up liquid over time. I often cook twice as much on Sundays, knowing we'll want it during the busy week ahead.
Every time I cook this soup, I'm reminded that the best food doesn't need to be fancy. Simple items, handled with love, create something truly wonderful. It's become more than just food in our house - it's warmth in a bowl, comfort after a tough day, and a reminder that the most loved recipes are often the easiest ones.
Let me know how you make this soup your own. Maybe you'll find a new twist that becomes a tradition in your family too!