Name: High Protein Tomato Soup with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 white onion, diced small; ¾ tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic, sliced; 2 (26-oz) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes; 2 cups chicken bone broth; Handful torn basil leaves; 1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2%)

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Introduction

This high protein tomato soup with cottage cheese is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day. It combines the rich flavors of San Marzano tomatoes with the creamy texture of cottage cheese, making it both satisfying and healthy.

A white pan filled with bright red tomato soup, smooth in texture with small specks of herbs mixed in. On the soup surface are five fresh green basil leaves scattered around the center. A wooden spoon with a dark handle rests inside the pan on the right side. Surrounding the pan on a white marbled surface are a white plate holding four toasted bread slices, two golden spoons, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small bowl of black pepper, and a light green plate with shredded white cheese. A rust-colored cloth napkin is folded on the top left near two wedges of pale yellow cheese, with a few green basil leaves scattered on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 white onion, diced small
¾ tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 26-oz cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
2 cups chicken bone broth
Handful torn basil leaves
1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2% recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Add olive oil to your pot and heat to medium.
Step 2: Add diced onion, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft.
Step 3: Add garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add tomatoes, broth, and basil leaves. Gently break up the tomatoes with a spatula, keeping some chunks for texture. Stir and reduce heat to medium low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Add cottage cheese, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully blend in batches using a heat-safe blender and return soup to the pot.
Step 6: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve with grated parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil leaves for a brighter flavor or substitute with dried basil if unavailable.
For a vegan option, replace chicken bone broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative.
To add more protein, stir in cooked white beans or lentils before blending.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the soup and mix back in the unblended portion.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Avoid prolonged reheating to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with bright orange, smooth tomato soup topped with a few small fresh green basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper. One bowl in the front is plain, while the bowl in the back has a piece of toasted bread resting on the edge. Around the bowls, there is a white marbled surface with a green plate holding shredded white cheese, two thick slices of pale yellow hard cheese stacked, and a small bowl of ground black pepper. A soft, rust-colored cloth is partially visible near the front bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute about 3 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before using. Keep in mind fresh tomatoes may result in a slightly different flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending creates a smooth, creamy texture and fully incorporates the cottage cheese. However, if you prefer a chunky or rustic style, you can skip blending or blend partially.