Description
This High Protein Tomato Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that combines ripe tomatoes, smoked turkey bacon, and plant-based ingredients for a creamy, protein-rich dish. Enhanced with fresh herbs and natural gelling agents, it delivers a smoky, tangy, and savory flavor perfect for any season. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, this soup warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Creaminess and Texture
- 1/2 cup plant-based dairy (such as cream or milk alternative)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Protein Boosters (Optional)
- 3/4 cup cooked lentils or chickpeas
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Turkey Bacon: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp, allowing it to release its smoky flavor into the base.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced ripe tomatoes and add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook gently for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Plant-Based Dairy and Natural Gelling Agent: Blend a portion of the soup until creamy or add the plant-based dairy directly to the pot for richness. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir thoroughly to achieve a silky texture without heaviness.
- Boost Protein: Add the cooked lentils or chickpeas into the soup, stirring to combine everything evenly. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the protein is warmed through and flavors are balanced.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. These fresh herbs add brightness and herbal notes that beautifully complement the rich tomato base.
Notes
- Use the freshest ripe tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon slowly to render fat and develop smoky flavor without burning.
- Blend only half of the soup for a creamy texture while retaining some chunky tomato pieces.
- Add apple cider vinegar gradually to balance acidity without overpowering the tomato flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to maintain their bright color and fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: high protein tomato soup, plant-based tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, smoked turkey bacon soup, protein-rich soup, healthy tomato soup, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce soup