When you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup. This classic Polish soup, also known as “Zupa Pomidorowa,” is a perfect combination of tangy tomatoes, savory broth, and tender rice. It’s a warming and satisfying dish that’s ideal for colder months or whenever you’re craving a bowl of something hearty and wholesome. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a favorite in your household

The first time I made this soup, it was on a chilly autumn evening when I wanted something comforting but quick. I’d heard about Polish tomato rice soup for years, but I was unsure how simple the recipe could actually be. After combining the ingredients and letting it simmer, the delicious aroma of tomatoes, herbs, and rice filled the kitchen. As soon as I served it to my family, they couldn’t get enough. “This is amazing!” my daughter exclaimed, and the bowl was empty within minutes. Since then, this Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup has become a staple in our household, often served with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Whether you’re enjoying it with your family at dinner or serving it at a cozy gathering, this simple yet flavorful soup will leave everyone asking for more. Let’s get into the details and see how you can make this delightful dish!

Why This Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup?

Selling Points:

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like tomatoes, rice, and broth, this soup is affordable and easy to prepare.
• Comforting and Hearty: The rice adds texture and makes the soup filling, perfect for a satisfying meal.
• Quick to Make: In less than an hour, you can have a warm, flavorful soup ready to serve.
• Versatile: It can be served as a light meal on its own or paired with a sandwich or salad.

What You Need for Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup rice (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Rinse the rice if needed, especially if you’re using brown rice.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
   
4. Season the Soup:
   Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. If you’d like to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, stir in a tablespoon of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   
5. Add the Rice:
   Once the soup is boiling, add the rice to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the soup is fully developed.
   
6. Finish and Serve:
   Once the rice is cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
   
7. Enjoy:
   This soup is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy every bite!
   

Tips for the Perfect Polish Tomato Rice Soup

• Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Just chop them and cook them down before adding the broth.
• Rice Type: You can use any type of rice, though white rice cooks quicker and gives the soup a creamier texture. Brown rice adds more texture and is a heartier option.
• Adjust the Acidity: If the soup is too tangy for your taste, you can adjust the sugar to your preference or add a splash of cream for a richer soup.
• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to give the soup more depth and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Add Meat: If you’d like to add some protein, shredded chicken or sausage would complement the soup well.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, comforting twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth and skip or reduce the added salt for a healthier version.
• Brown Rice: Swap out white rice for brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Non-Dairy: To make this soup dairy-free, simply skip the butter or use a dairy-free alternative like olive oil.

Closing for Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup

This Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup is a simple, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, rice, and herbs into a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a hearty lunch, or a dish to serve at a family gathering, this soup is a perfect choice. With minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients, you can create a bowl of warmth and comfort. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat before serving.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can chop and cook them down before adding the broth for a fresh, natural taste.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make this soup without rice?
Yes, you can make this soup without rice for a lighter version. Alternatively, you can add pasta or quinoa as a substitute.

5. How do I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also add hot sauce for extra heat.

With minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients, you can create a bowl of warmth and comfort. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Easy Polish Tomato Rice Soup

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup rice (white or brown)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Ingredients:
• Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Rinse the rice if needed, especially if you’re using brown rice.
• Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
• Season the Soup:
• Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. If you’d like to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, stir in a tablespoon of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the Rice:
• Once the soup is boiling, add the rice to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the soup is fully developed.
• Finish and Serve:
• Once the rice is cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
• Enjoy:
• This soup is delicious on its own or served with crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy every bite!