Sun-Blushed Tomato & Mascarpone Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tins (400g each) premium chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 20g butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 stalk celery, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 100g mascarpone cheese
• A large handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

1. Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and celery for 8 minutes until translucent and very soft.
2. Add the garlic and oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tinned tomatoes and the vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Stir in the mascarpone until melted and add the fresh basil.
5. Use an immersion blender to blitz the soup until completely smooth.
6. Taste and season. If it's a bit acidic, a tiny pinch of erythritol can help, though the mascarpone usually balances it beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This

Standard tinned tomato soups are often stealthy sugar traps. This version relies on high-quality tinned cherry tomatoes and a generous dollop of mascarpone (or double cream) to provide sweetness and body without the carb spike. It’s incredibly silky and pairs perfectly with a low-carb cracker.

Tips & Swaps

• For a “Pizza Soup” vibe, top with a sprinkle of grated mozzarella and some pepperoni crisps before serving.
• Smooth finish. Use an immersion blender to blitz the soup until completely smooth; this incorporates the mascarpone and fresh basil for a velvety, vibrant result.
• To make it vegan-friendly, swap the butter for more oil and the mascarpone for a thick coconut cream.

Key Takeaways

• Net carbs: 8g per serving — suitable for keto and low-carb diets
• Cook time: 30 minutes total (10 prep + 20 cook)
• Key ingredient: Mascarpone cheese (provides a rich, creamy body and natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes without needing added sugar).
• Best for: A quick, Mediterranean-style lunch that’s far superior to sugary tinned tomato soups.