moroccan tomato soup

Looking for a twist on one of the classics? This rich and creamy tomato soup brings the flavors of Morocco right to your kitchen with harissa, cumin, fire-roasted tomatoes and coconut milk. Make this dairy free by omitting any cheese garnishes. Serve with garlic roasted Naan or fresh grilled cheese if you wanna take this one all the way home!

Recipe by: The Culinary Nest

(recipe inspiration by Half Baked Harvest, with some changes.)

MAKES

6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

Salt & Pepper

2 tablespoons fresh thyme + more if desired

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

2 (28 ounce) cans fire roasted tomatoes, diced

1 (28 ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

4 tablespoons harissa sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 can full fat coconut milk

1/4 cup of fresh cilantro or basil, chopped

Garnishing Options: feta cheese, goat cheese, crunchy chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, microgreens, extra cilantro or basil

METHOD

• In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. One heated, add the onion and garlic and season with pinches of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes or until onions are starting to brown and turn translucent. Add the fresh thyme, paprika and cumin, stir and cook for one minute. Add the cans of all tomatoes, harissa and honey. Stir together and cook for 5 minutes until bubbling.

• Pour in the coconut milk and stir until combined and smooth. If you have an immersion blender, used that in the soup pot until the mixture is most smoothly but some texture remains (I like mine still with a good amount of texture). If you do NOT have an immersion blender, transfer the soup mixture (you may need to do batches) to a blender until mostly smooth but still has some texture.

• Return the soup to the soup pot if needed and turn the heat back to medium. Stir in the cilantro or basil. Taste for seasoning here- if needed add more honey for sweetness, salt and pepper, or cumin for more spice.

• Garnish with desired toppings and serve immediately.