Warm Up With This Easy Tomato Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Tomato egg drop soup combines ripe tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and broth to create a flavorful base. Beaten eggs are gently swirled into the simmering soup, forming silky ribbons. A cornstarch slurry adds a slight thickness, and spring onions enhance the taste. It's a warm, satisfying dish perfect for any day.

Tomato egg drop soup is a simple yet delicious dish that uses ripe tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and broth as the base. The soup is thickened with a cornstarch slurry and flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional sugar for a balanced taste. Beaten eggs are gently poured in while swirling the soup to create delicate ribbons. The soup is garnished with spring onions for a fresh touch. It can be customized with chili oil or vinegar for added spice. This soup is perfect for a warm, nutritious meal that's both quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

Tomatoes: 3 large, ripe, finely chopped or pureed
Eggs: 2 large
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (mixed with 3 tablespoons water for slurry)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
Salt: To taste
Black Pepper: To taste
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Spring Onions: 2 stalks, finely chopped (for garnish)

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat a medium-sized pot over medium heat and add a teaspoon of sesame oil.
Saut minced garlic and ginger until aromatic (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the chopped or pureed tomatoes to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add soy sauce, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well and let the flavors meld for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

Lower the heat to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while continuously stirring the soup to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Beat the eggs in a small bowl until smooth.
Reduce the heat to low and gently swirl the soup in one direction using a spoon or ladle.
Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the swirling soup in a thin stream. The swirling motion will create delicate ribbons of cooked egg. Let it cook for 1 minute without stirring.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Turn off the heat and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with finely chopped spring onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread, steamed rice, or as a standalone dish.

Tips for Perfect Tomato Egg Drop Soup:

Tomato Consistency: Use pureed tomatoes for a smoother base or chopped tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
Egg Ribbon Texture: Pour the egg slowly and ensure the soup is gently swirling to achieve thin, delicate ribbons.
Customizable Flavor: Add a touch of vinegar or chili oil for an extra kick if desired.

Enjoy this comforting, protein-rich soup that's easy to prepare yet full of flavor.