Beach Bar Tomato Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped (preferably vine-ripened or heirloom for sweetness)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium to control saltiness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing aromatics and adding silkiness)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a signature smoky note)
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (concentrates tomato flavor)