Dear friends, welcome to RecipeArt. In modern times, tomatoes are an essential ingredient in our kitchen, but in today’s recipe, we use this tomato to make a dish that puts us on a journey into the medieval era: Medieval Times Tomato Soup Recipe. So friends, join me as I explore the secret recipe of Medieval Times Tomato Soup.
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Preparation Time:
Approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
Approximately 45 minutes
Recipe Yield:
4 servings
Nutritional Information:
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 150 |
Total Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Sodium | 800mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 18g |
Dietary Fiber | 4g |
Sugars | 10g |
Protein | 4g |
**Please note that the nutritional information is not the same as mentioned above. They vary depending on the ingredients you use.
Ingredients for Medieval Times Tomato Soup Recipe:
To prepare this medieval-inspired tomato soup recipe, you will need
Ingredient | Quantity |
Ripe tomatoes | 2 pounds |
Onion | 1 medium-sized |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
Saffron threads | 5-10 |
Vegetable or chicken broth | 4 cups |
Salt and pepper | As per taste |
Bread or croutons for serving (optional) | As needed |
Step by Step Instructions:
- At first, wash the tomatoes and remove their stems. Cut the tomatoes into four parts each and set them aside for future use.

- Peel the onion and garlic and chop them finely.
- In a large skillet, pour the olive oil and heat at medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry them until they become lightly golden and translucent. Stir them occasionally to prevent them from burning.
- When the onion and garlic are cooked, add the tomatoes to the skillet. Mix them thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried basil, saffron threads, salt, and pepper over the tomato mixture and cook for 2 minutes. These are the commonly used spices of the medieval era, and this will infuse the soup with their aromatic essence.

- Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet. Ensure that the tomatoes are fully submerged in the broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together.
- After the simmering process, remove the skillet from the heat and cool the soup slightly. After cooling, puree the soup in an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Be careful about the hot liquid when blending it to avoid accident.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
Medieval tomato soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a few accompaniments to enhance the experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup hot in shallow bowls or trenchers, which were wooden plates commonly used during medieval times.
- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Toast some slices of bread and cut them into small cubes to make croutons. Sprinkle these crispy croutons on top of the soup to add a delightful texture.
- For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a crusty loaf of bread or a meat pie, both of which were common in medieval cuisine.

Pro Tips:
- Quality ingredients: Since this recipe relies heavily on the flavor of tomatoes, it’s important to use ripe and flavorful ones. Look for tomatoes that are firm, vibrant in color, and aromatic.
- Fresh herbs: While the recipe calls for dried thyme and basil, you can elevate the flavors by incorporating fresh herbs. Consider adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves just before serving.
- Saffron substitution: Saffron was a prized and expensive ingredient during medieval times. If you don’t have saffron on hand or prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can substitute it with a pinch of turmeric powder.
Conclusion:
Transporting our taste buds back in time, this medieval tomato soup recipe offers a delicious glimpse into the culinary traditions of the past. Its rich flavors, fragrant herbs, and vibrant colors are sure to captivate your senses and ignite your imagination
Remember, cooking is an art, and you are the artist, you can always experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own variations. Feel free to share your experiences and adaptations in the comments below. Until next time, happy cooking!
Printable Recipe:

Medieval Times Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes 2 pounds
- Onion 1 medium-sized
- Garlic 2 cloves
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil 1 teaspoon
- Saffron threads 5-10
- Vegetable or chicken broth 4 cups
- Salt and pepper As per taste
- Bread or croutons for serving optional As needed
Instructions
- At first, wash the tomatoes and remove their stems. Cut the tomatoes into four parts each and set them aside for future use.
- Peel the onion and garlic and chop them finely.
- In a large skillet, pour the olive oil and heat at medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry them until they become lightly golden and translucent. Stir them occasionally to prevent them from burning.
- When the onion and garlic are cooked, add the tomatoes to the skillet. Mix them thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried basil, saffron threads, salt, and pepper over the tomato mixture and cook for 2 minutes. These are the commonly used spices of the medieval era, and this will infuse the soup with their aromatic essence.
- Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the skillet. Ensure that the tomatoes are fully submerged in the broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes. During this time, the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together.
- After the simmering process, remove the skillet from the heat and cool the soup slightly. After cooling, puree the soup in an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Be careful about the hot liquid when blending it to avoid accident.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Notes
• Garnish the soup with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Toast some slices of bread and cut them into small cubes to make croutons. Sprinkle these crispy croutons on top of the soup to add a delightful texture.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup alongside a crusty loaf of bread or a meat pie, both of which were common in medieval cuisine.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, preferably whole or crushed, for the best flavor. Keep in mind that canned tomatoes may have a slightly different taste and texture compared to fresh ones.
Can I freeze the tomato soup?
Yes, tomato soup can be frozen for later use. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop.
Can I make the soup in advance?
Absolutely! Tomato soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve. The flavors may even deepen and intensify over time, enhancing the overall taste.
How can I make the soup creamier?
If you prefer a creamier tomato soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of cooking. Stir it in and simmer for a few more minutes. Alternatively, you can blend in a small amount of cooked and pureed potato or cashews for a creamy texture.