Tomato Gnocchi Soup

This Tomato Gnocchi Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup is not only hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for family dinners or meal prep for the week. The creamy texture combined with the flavors of tomatoes and herbs creates an inviting bowl that everyone will love. Whether you decide to keep it dairy-free or add cream for extra richness, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Warmth: This Tomato Gnocchi Soup offers a cozy embrace, perfect for cold days.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 40 minutes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the freezer for quick meals later.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess and seasonings to match your taste preferences effortlessly.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this soup is both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing this Tomato Gnocchi Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling over.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for consistent flavor every time.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or other cooking oil)
• ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (1 small onion)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sliced carrots
• ½ cup sliced celery
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Broth and Tomatoes

• 2 cans of whole Roma tomatoes (2x 28 oz cans)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves

For the Gnocchi and Creaminess

• 16 oz gnocchi
• 1/2-1 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tsp cane sugar
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

For Serving

• ¼ cup grated pecorino (plus more for serving)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Tomato Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Heat Oil

Heat avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Add chopped yellow onion and sea salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes until glossy and slightly golden.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until just fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables

Add sliced carrots, celery, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for about one minute.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes

Add canned tomatoes along with their juices. Break up the tomatoes using a spatula.

Step 6: Pour in Broth

Add vegetable broth, stir in bay leaves, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook partially covered for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Blend Soup

Remove bay leaves but set them aside. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth.

Step 8: Add Gnocchi

Return soup to simmering heat. Stir in gnocchi and heavy cream (if using). Simmer for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Final Touches

Take off heat; stir in cane sugar, balsamic vinegar, grated pecorino, and black pepper.

Step 10: Serve

Serve warm with additional grated pecorino, fresh herbs, or more heavy cream if desired.

How to Serve Tomato Gnocchi Soup

This Tomato Gnocchi Soup is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve with slices of warm sourdough bread for dipping, enhancing each bite.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Grated Pecorino or Parmesan: Add an extra layer of flavor with more grated cheese right before serving.
• Cheese Croutons: Bake small cubes of bread topped with cheese until golden for a cheesy garnish.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Make Ahead: This soup can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
• Freezer-Friendly: Store in airtight containers for easy meals on cold days; simply thaw and heat when ready to eat.

How to Perfect Tomato Gnocchi Soup

To make your Tomato Gnocchi Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Tomatoes: Using high-quality canned whole Roma tomatoes will elevate the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar to suit your palate.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Incorporating fresh veggies like zucchini or spinach can add more nutrition and texture.
• Experiment with Creaminess: For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream entirely or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Add Protein: Consider adding cooked chicken or turkey for added protein if you prefer a heartier meal.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with Tomato Gnocchi Soup can complete your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, this buttery delight complements the soup’s flavors perfectly.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil provide bright flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add both color and nutrients to your meal; try carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
5. Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks sprinkled with cheese make a fun addition that kids will love.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses can provide variety alongside the soup.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables can serve as a hearty side dish.
8. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with herbs and citrus dressing offers a healthy contrast to the creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Tomato Gnocchi Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Timing is key – Cooking the gnocchi for too long can make them mushy. Add them in the last stages of cooking to ensure they remain firm.
• Skipping the blending step – Not blending the soup can result in a chunky texture. For a creamy consistency, use an immersion blender until smooth.
• Neglecting seasoning – Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Using low-quality tomatoes – Poor-quality canned tomatoes can affect the soup’s flavor. Opt for whole Roma tomatoes for a rich taste and texture.
• Ignoring storage guidelines – Improper storage can spoil your soup quickly. Store it in airtight containers and follow proper refrigeration or freezing methods.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Tomato Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tomato Gnocchi Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tomato Gnocchi Soup

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about preparing Tomato Gnocchi Soup.

How can I make Tomato Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

You can keep it dairy-free by omitting heavy cream and using plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond cream instead.

Can I add vegetables to Tomato Gnocchi Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Tomato Gnocchi Soup is great for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

What should I serve with Tomato Gnocchi Soup?

Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Gnocchi Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a comforting choice for any season. Its versatility allows for various customization options—add vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!