National Dish Romania: Tomato Soup (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Supă de roșii, Romania’s cheerful take on a classic tomato soup that captures the taste of sun-ripened tomatoes in every spoonful. Fragrant with fresh herbs and gently sweet, it is a dish that has been cherished for generations across the country. Best of all, it can be enjoyed warm on a chilly evening or chilled during the summer months — a refreshing bowlful that suits every season.
About Tomato Soup
Supă de roșii is more than just a recipe; it is a small piece of Romanian culture that celebrates the flavour of ripe, fresh tomatoes. This aromatic tomato soup has developed over centuries into a much-loved dish that reflects the variety of Romanian cooking. It is often made in summer with sun-ripened tomatoes, yet it can be enjoyed all year round. The combination of fresh ingredients and fragrant herbs makes it a treat that works served either warm or cold.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 600 g ripe tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 ml vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Supă de roșii, it is worth paying particular attention to the quality of the tomatoes. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for the soup’s full flavour, so visit local markets or organic shops to find the best produce. The other ingredients, such as onions and garlic, should also be chosen fresh in order to bring out and deepen the aromas of the finished dish.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Supă de roșii could hardly be simpler and takes only a few steps. First, blanch the tomatoes so the skins slip off easily. After that, finely chop the onion and garlic to intensify their aromas. These little bits of prep are quickly done, and they only build the anticipation of the cooking to come.
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes to loosen the skins.
- Peel the tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot with olive oil until translucent.
- Add the tomato pieces and cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and add the sugar along with the seasoning.
- Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
A great advantage of Supă de roșii is that it is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. You can enjoy this recipe without having to worry about any extra ingredients. Just make sure that any stock you use is also gluten-free. This makes the soup an ideal choice for anyone with allergies or following a special diet.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
This soup is perfect for vegans and vegetarians, as every ingredient is of plant origin. Do take care, however, to choose a vegetable stock that contains no animal-derived components. Beyond that, you can extend the recipe with additional vegetables to your liking, adding both extra flavour and nutrients. With a little creativity, this simple soup is wonderfully easy to adapt.
More tips and tricks
Try experimenting with different herbs and spices. Parsley or thyme can add extra layers of aroma. You can also play with the texture of the soup by blending it for less time to keep it a little chunkier. A splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving is another lovely way to introduce an interesting note of flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting Supă de roșii to your personal preferences is easy. You can vary the amount of onion and garlic to taste. If you would like a spicier note, add a little fresh chilli or pepper. Stirring in further vegetables, such as carrots or peppers, can also enrich the dish and give it a personal touch — much as they would in a hearty Romanian vegetable stew.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have a particular ingredient to hand, there is always an alternative. Fresh tomatoes can be replaced with tinned tomatoes, especially out of season. Likewise, olive oil can be swapped for other plant-based oils, depending on the flavour you are aiming for. This flexibility makes the recipe especially inviting for discovering your own version.
Drink pairing ideas
The right choice of drink adds greatly to the enjoyment of Supă de roșii. A light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavours of the soup beautifully. Alternatively, opt for a cool sparkling water with lemon, which underlines the freshness of the soup. For a non-alcoholic option, a fruity cordial or a homemade iced tea works very well.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in bringing a dish together. Serve Supă de roșii in deep bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. A good idea is to add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of cream for decoration. This not only makes the soup a visual appetite-whetter but also highlights its fresh aromas. It pairs beautifully with a wedge of warm mămăligă on the side.
A bit of history
The history behind Supă de roșii is every bit as interesting as the recipe itself. Tomato soup has its origins in Mediterranean cooking and grew popular as the tomato spread across Europe. In Romania, the soup is often part of traditional family meals and is made with a great deal of care. This dish represents not only the country’s cooking but also its cultural heritage, standing alongside other staples of Romanian cuisine such as sarmale.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Tomato Soup
In summary, Supă de roșii is a wonderful dish that is both easy to prepare and healthy. With its fresh ingredients and its range of aromas, it is perfect for any menu. Whether served as a starter or as a light main course, this soup is sure to delight everyone. Let the essence of Romanian cooking inspire you and give this delicious recipe a try.
