Best Tomato Leek Soup Recipe

Spanish soup recipes are renowned for their rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage, and some of them have the power to encapsulate all of that in one bite.

The tomato leek soup is one of them, offering a harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes, delicate leeks, and aromatic garlic, where each spoonful feels like a journey through Andalusia.

Keep reading this article, where you will learn how, with just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate the magic of Spain’s culinary tradition right in your kitchen.

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Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of Spanish soup recipes? Have a look at my other posts: 

• Spanish chorizo stew

• Chicken soup without noodles

• Alphabet soup

Background of the Dish

Tomatoes were introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers who encountered them in Latin America during the 16th century. 

Since then, tomatoes have become a central ingredient in numerous soup recipes across various culinary traditions.

The tomato leek soup stands out as one of the earliest creations in this category, blending ingredients commonly found in southern Spain, including leeks, garlic cloves, onion, and olive oil.

Over time, other recipes for leek soup were developed such as the now popular leek and butternut squash soup, but the tomato leek soup holds a special place in the hearts of Andalusians because local ingredients get to shine on it.

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Things You’ll Need for Tomato Leek Soup

The ingredients that you will need to make this soup are tomatoes, leeks, tomato paste, onion, garlic cloves, bell pepper, vegetable broth, and olive oil as the main ingredients.

The only equipment that you will need to prepare it is a large pot and an immersion blender (that you can substitute with a regular blender or simply enjoy the soup as it is).

Ingredients

• 6 cups (1.5l) vegetable broth
• 4 large tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 leeks (white and light green parts only)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

How to Make Tomato Leek Soup – Step by Step Guide

1. For the first step in this tomato leek soup recipe, peel and chop the onion, bell pepper, and leeks into small squares. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Wash the tomatoes, chop them into small pieces, and discard the seeds. Set them aside.

2. After that, grab a large pot and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, leeks, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

3. Then, add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes until they start to break down and release their juices. Stir in paprika, cumin, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

4. Now, pour vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the tomato and leek soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. After the leek tomato soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.

6. To continue with this leek soup recipe, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.

7. The recipe is now ready. Pour the tomato leek soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Substitution of Ingredients

Luckily, there are some changes that you can make to this tomato and leek soup recipe, allowing for customization to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

First, you can make this tomato leek soup with tomato juice, enhancing its robust flavor and depth, although the flavor will be less fresh and you have to be sure to use a good quality juice.

Besides that, you can add different vegetables to this tomato leek soup, such as zucchini, spinach, or potatoes, to introduce additional textures and flavors.

Suppose you’re someone who prefers meat in every meal, drawing inspiration from dishes like Spanish bean soup with chorizo or Spanish bacon bean soup. 

In that case, you can enhance this tomato leek soup by incorporating your favorite protein, whether it’s diced chicken, sausage, or another meat of your choice.

Do you like the idea of a leek soup but tomato isn’t your cup of tea? 

Then we have other leek soup recipes that can work for you such as the Spanish leek and celery soup, the ham and leek soup, or the Spanish pea soup mixed with leek.

Tips on Serving Tomato Leek Soup

This tomato leek soup makes for the best main dish, especially when paired with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

You can turn this tomato leek soup into a side dish or appetizer; in that case, you should serve it in smaller bowls to complement the main course or to tantalize the palate before the main meal.

To enhance the flavors in this recipe for Spanish soup, be sure to top it off with a garnish of fresh parsley or other vibrant herbs like dill, rosemary, or chives.

To make this dish more filling, consider drawing inspiration from other authentic Spanish soup recipes, such as the comforting glass noodle soup or the gluten-free chicken noodle soup, and serve your tomato leek soup with cooked noodles for a satisfying meal.

How to Store Tomato Leek Soup

Once you finish preparing the tomato leek soup, allow it to cool to room temperature and place it in a covered container to preserve its freshness and flavors.

Then, place the soup in the fridge where it can last up to 3 days, or store it in the freezer for up to 45 days, ensuring it remains fresh and ready to enjoy at your convenience.

After that, you will be able to reheat the tomato leek soup on the stove over medium heat (stirring constantly) or in the microwave for a couple of minutes.

Do you want to find more Spanish soup recipes that can be stored for later? We have the fantastic Spanish bean tomato soup and the delicious Spanish baked bean soup waiting for you.

Recipe Card: Tomato Leek Soup

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