Creamy Italian Herb Tomato Soup

Creamy Italian Herb Tomato Soup

This soup is bursting with flavor! All the things you enjoy about a creamy tomato soup, with tastes of an Italian herb garden and a little bit of a kick. Pair this with your favorite sandwich, salad, or hearty bread (or all of the above) for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Makes approximately 8 servings

For the soup…

• 2 (28oz) cans of whole tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 cup of water for sauteing
• 1/2 cup white wine (or water) for deglazing
• 1-2 cups cashew cream (recipe below)
• 2-3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar (or other sweetener, optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

For the cashew cream (makes about 2-3 cups)…

• 1 cup cashews (soaked for 2+ hours if not using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (or 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Prepare the cashew cream: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender. Add additional water as needed to create the consistency of melted ice cream. Set aside. Tip: The cashew cream freezes very well; make a few batches and store them. Making this recipe will then be even quicker and easier!

Prepare the soup: Saute the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in 1/2 cup of water, in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Allow the contents to brown and stick to the bottom of the pan a bit (this adds flavor). Deglaze with 1/2 cup of white wine (or water). Add the tomatoes (with the juice) and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add cashew cream, agave nectar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and puree the soup with an immersion (handheld) blender; add additional water as necessary for desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Chef’s tip: To make this even heartier, add cooked brown rice or some cooked pasta noodles to individual servings!