This tomato orange soup is a long time flavorful favorite in our family, and in Portland. Pair it with a crusty sourdough loaf or your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.
recipe originally published May 30, 2012
Tomato Orange Soup
Right in the middle of my spa career, I took a break to pursue another love – food. I was the store director with a popular European deli here in Portland - one of my favorite jobs to date. I started at one location in the heart of downtown (I love working downtown!), and while running that store I planned the build and opening of a new location in Lake Oswego.
While I thrive on the fun that goes into the execution of a new business and the grand opening events, my favorite aspect of this job was the food. At the new location, we built a bakery where we made fresh pastries, breads and bagels each morning.
I took a series of classes in Baking and Pastry in preparation, and while I could not have early morning hours all the time, I loved arriving at 4am to make muffins, bagels, bake off croissants proofing over night… it was bliss.
Having been a customer for many years, I was thrilled to be a part of the executive staff (although looking back now, I would have been just as happy running the bakery). This deli boasts an excellent reputation for having great food. Their menu has both permanent items and seasonal choices on rotation.
Legendary Portland Soup
The soups at this deli are legendary.
As soon as cold weather chill hits Portland, lines snake out their doors at lunch time – everyone wanting a warm up of the famous soup. One of their classic soups on the permanent menu is the Tomato Orange Soup.
At the time of the original publish date of this post, I have not found that the original deli recipe has been published. Even working there with access to recipes, I never saw the Tomato Orange.
My memory serves as inspiration, and this is my version of that deli classic.
Tomato Orange Soup is a longtime favorite. I hope you love it too.
We like to dip Cheesy Tomato Stuffed Waffles in this soup...
Did you make this tomato orange soup?
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Tomato Orange Soup
dairy, egg, soy, oil, and gluten free, vegan
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 12 fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
- â…“ cup raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup orange juice concentrate
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup almond milk
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until translucent and softened.
- Transfer onion and garlic to high speed blender with tomatoes, cashews, tomato paste, orange juice concentrate and vegetable broth. Purée until smooth.
- In saucepan over medium heat, combine almond milk with blended tomato mixture. Stir occasionally while simmering over medium heat for several minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with sliced or cubed tomato, dried basil and oregano. Serve over rice or quinoa, with grilled cheese, crackers or stuffed waffles.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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Eileen says
Ooh, I recognize this, and I haven't even been to said deli, nor do I live anywhere near Portland! How did I recognize it? Because this soup is JUST THAT FAMOUS. I've had a version of it in my recipe binder for a good eight years. Super excited to try out your version!
spabettie says
haa - I love that you know of it, Eileen! yes, they are well known for their soups, among other things. do you also know of the Mama Leone's soup, then? that one has been published, in our local newspaper anyway. My mom makes that one often.
Eileen says
I did not know of Mama Leone's soup--but now, through the magic of Google, I have the recipe! MUAHAHA etc. Thanks!
spabettie says
MUAAA AAH AAH, I love that you laugh like that too. You should try the Mama Leone's - the flavor is amazing!
jobo says
I LOVED reading a little history on your life and how you got so into food and cooking. This soup looks delicious!!
spabettie says
thanks - it is a fun one to tell, I look back on that time fondly!
Char @ www.charskitchen.ca says
mmmmmmmmm the soup looks & sounds incredible...and then you leave a stuffed waffle teaser!! :O :O I might need to go buy a waffle maker before that post is up!
spabettie says
do it Do It DO IT! 😀
Rachel H. says
Earth Balance is my favorite butter also. I prefer the taste of the whipped. Which do you like best?
spabettie says
I love Earth Balance! I generally use the Soy Free, unless I specifically want a stick of butter, then I buy the regular EB, as soy free does not (yet??) come in stick form... and Rachel now you have me intrigued, I don't know if I've tried the whipped?? I may have to now! 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Oh that's a fun soup...tomatoes and oranges in soup! DELISH! Now about those waffles... mmmm! 🙂
spabettie says
yep - the waffles are a FUN one... coming soon!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Wow! This looks and sounds amazing! I have to say, you are a complete and total enigma to me and I love it! Reading about your life is like reading a novel for me...I can't wait for the next page!
I hope you're doing well. I miss you! I hope the new house is treating your family well! xoxo
spabettie says
aw, that is the sweetest thing I've heard in a while! 😀 I've definitely had some fun projects, for sure. I miss you too, my friend!! hope things are good with all of you - enjoying the start of summer with your boys and feeling awesome! XXO
Gabrielle says
This looks really yummy but it's not Vegan if there is butter... please do not give people the wrong information vegan means no animal product whatsoever. I have put in coconut oil instead and its really good. Thank you
spabettie says
Gabrielle,
if you read the recipe, I state that I specifically use Earth Balance (as I state in all recipes). I simply call it butter.
Thanks.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
what a gorgeous bowl of soup! that color!!! and the flavor combination sounds so interesting! thanks for sharing!
spabettie says
you are welcome, Caralyn! it has always been one of my favorites, glad I could share my version of it! 🙂
Leanne @ Healthful Pursuit says
Stuffed waffles? Yum!
You have such an interesting life story, Kristina! Too cool that you got to manage the opening of another store, they are some exciting times! I did that while I was managing quality control at Tony Roma's (a rib place in Canada). It was really fun to get to train up new staff, live in Banff for awhile, and get to make changes to the business as we went!
spabettie says
thanks, Leanne! I have had some fun in my time - some pretty great openings of both food and spa! It is exciting indeed! I love staff development, too - sounds like you have had some big fun responsibility too!
Nichole says
Don't leave me with a waffle teaser!! Oy!!
spabettie says
they are on their way... 😉