Chinese cuisine

Introduction

Spicy tomato soup, also known as “La Hu Tang” in Chinese, is a dish that combines the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with the fiery heat of chili peppers. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to make at home. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this classic soup. From selecting the ingredients to the final simmering process, we’ll cover it all. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, follow our instructions to create a bowl of spicy tomato soup that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• 2 lbs of ripe tomatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes)
• 2 medium-sized onions
• 3-4 cloves of garlic (or to taste)
• 2-3 fresh red chili peppers (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp of tomato paste
• 1 tsp of sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Tomatoes: Start by washing and cutting the tomatoes into small pieces. You can remove the seeds if you prefer a less seedy soup, but it’s not necessary. Set these aside.
2. Finely Chop the Onions and Garlic: Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic. You can use a food processor or a knife for this task. Set these aside as well.
3. De-seed and Chop the Chili Peppers: Wash and de-seed the chili peppers, then chop them into small pieces. Be careful when handling chili peppers as they can be quite spicy.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Chili Peppers: Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the chopped tomatoes and chili peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine. Let this mixture cook for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
6. Add Tomato Paste and Sugar (if using): Stir in the tomato paste and sugar (if using). Let this mixture cook for another minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Add Water or Vegetable Broth: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are completely broken down and the soup has thickened slightly.
8. Season with Salt and Pepper: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You may also add more chili peppers at this point if you prefer a spicier soup.
9. Thicken the Soup (Optional): If you’d like a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the soup and let it simmer for another minute or two until the soup has thickened to your liking.
10. Garnish with Herbs: Finally, garnish your spicy tomato soup with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley before serving. This will add a nice touch of freshness to your dish.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Your spicy tomato soup is now ready to serve! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs, and enjoy its delicious flavors. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or rice, but it’s also delicious on its own as a light meal or appetizer.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer a less spicy soup, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or use less spicy varieties such as bell peppers or banana peppers instead.
• You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the soup for extra flavor and nutrients. Simply add them during the sautéing process along with the tomatoes and chili peppers.
• For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup while it’s simmering. This will give your soup an extra layer of heat and flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the pot.
• For a creamy version of this soup, you can add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of the cooking process before serving. This will give your soup a rich and creamy texture that’s perfect for colder weather.

Conclusion

Making spicy tomato soup at home is a fun and rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a bowl of delicious soup that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you prefer it spicy or creamy, there are endless variations you can try with this recipe. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and enjoy the process of creating your own spicy tomato soup!