When you want tomato soup with a little more pizzazz, this Tomato Ginger Soup delivers in spades. Fresh ginger adds a warming, slightly spicy kick that makes each spoonful interesting. Combined with orange zest and a touch of honey, this soup balances sweet, tangy, and zingy flavors in perfect harmony. It's comfort food that also happens to be incredibly good for you.
Why This Recipe Works
The fresh ginger is the star here, adding both heat and aromatic complexity that dried ginger simply can't match. Cooking it with the aromatics releases its volatile oils, infusing the entire soup with that distinctive zingy flavor. The orange zest and juice aren't just garnish—they brighten everything and create a beautiful flavor bridge between the ginger and tomatoes.
The Health Benefits of Ginger
Beyond its fantastic flavor, ginger brings serious health benefits to this soup. It's renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries to aid digestion and soothe upset stomachs. Combined with the lycopene in tomatoes and the vitamin C from orange, this soup is practically medicinal—in the most delicious way possible.
This is the perfect soup to make when you feel a cold coming on. The ginger helps clear congestion, the warm broth is soothing, and the aromatics can help with sore throats.
Step-by-Step Guide
Start by sautéing the onion until softened, then add the fresh ginger and garlic together. This is crucial—cooking the ginger for a full two minutes allows its essential oils to bloom and meld with the garlic. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells incredible.
The simmer time allows all the flavors to marry together. After blending, add the honey and citrus off the heat to preserve their fresh, bright qualities. The honey balances any bitterness from the ginger while complementing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. For an Asian-inspired meal, serve with steamed rice or rice noodles. The ginger notes also complement coconut rice beautifully. Fresh cilantro is the perfect garnish, though basil or mint work well too.
Variations to Try
- Thai-inspired: Add coconut milk and lemongrass for a creamier, more complex version
- Spicy ginger: Increase the cayenne or add fresh chili for more heat
- Carrot ginger: Add roasted carrots for extra sweetness and body
- Turmeric boost: Add 1 teaspoon turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory benefits
Tomato Ginger Soup
Nutrition (per serving)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Bloom the ginger. Add fresh ginger and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until very fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Simmer. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend and finish. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in honey, orange zest, orange juice, and cayenne if using.
- Season and serve. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe Notes
- Use fresh ginger for the best zingy flavor—ground ginger won't achieve the same result
- The orange zest and juice are essential—they bridge the ginger and tomato flavors
- This soup is excellent when you're fighting a cold
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of ginger in soup?
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids digestion, may help reduce nausea, and has been shown to help fight colds and flu. Combined with tomatoes' lycopene, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger provides the best zingy, aromatic flavor. If you must substitute, use 1 teaspoon ground ginger for every tablespoon fresh, but the result will be mellower and less vibrant.
Why add orange to tomato soup?
Orange zest and juice brighten the soup and complement the ginger beautifully. The citrus notes balance the acidity of tomatoes and add a subtle sweetness that enhances all the flavors.
Is this soup good for when you're sick?
Yes! The combination of ginger, garlic, and warming spices makes this an excellent choice when you're fighting a cold. Ginger soothes sore throats and may help with congestion.
How long does tomato ginger soup keep?
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. The ginger flavor may intensify over time. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.