Soups & Stews > Soup & Stew Flavor Enhancers > Other Flavor Boosters > Adding Wine to Soups & Stews
Sherry Splash for Creamy Tomato Soup Perfection
Add a splash of sherry to your creamy tomato soup for a subtle nutty flavor and a touch of elegance. This simple addition elevates the soup to a gourmet experience. Discover the perfect amount and type of sherry to use for the best results.
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons Dry Sherry (e.g., Fino or Amontillado)
- Variable Creamy Tomato Soup (already prepared)
- Optional Fresh Basil (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream (for garnish)
Heating the Soup
Gently reheat the prepared creamy tomato soup over medium heat. Ensure the soup is heated through but not boiling.
Adding the Sherry
Once the soup is heated, remove it from the heat. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of dry sherry. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste, adding the additional tablespoon if desired. The amount of sherry can be adjusted to your personal preference.
Simmering Briefly
Return the soup to low heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes. This allows the sherry to meld with the soup without evaporating entirely. Avoid prolonged simmering, as it can diminish the sherry's delicate flavor.
Serving and Garnishing
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of crème fraîche or sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product (Sherry Addition Only)
Note: This is an estimate for the sherry addition itself, not the entire soup. The final nutritional value of the soup will vary based on other ingredients.
Calories: Approximately 15-25 kcal
Protein: Trace
Fat: Trace
Carbohydrates: 1-2g
Alcohol: Reduced during cooking, but some remains.
Other Considerations for Nutrition
The cooking process reduces the alcohol content of the sherry, but some alcohol will remain. Consider this if serving to children or individuals who avoid alcohol. Using fresh, high-quality tomatoes and organic sherry will help to improve the health benefits of this recipe.
FAQ
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Can I use cooking sherry?
It is generally recommended to use a good-quality dry sherry, such as Fino or Amontillado, rather than cooking sherry. Cooking sherry often contains added salt and preservatives that can negatively impact the flavor of the soup. -
What if I don't have sherry?
If you don't have sherry, you can try substituting a small amount of dry vermouth or a splash of white wine vinegar. However, the flavor will be slightly different. -
Can I add the sherry earlier in the cooking process?
Adding the sherry at the end of the cooking process helps to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma. Adding it earlier will cause the alcohol to evaporate more completely, resulting in a less noticeable flavor. -
Can I use a sweet sherry?
While a dry sherry is preferred, you could experiment with a very small amount of a sweet sherry like Oloroso. However, be careful not to make the soup too sweet; use sparingly.