Of Cold Winds and Warm Bowls: My Tomato Soup Tale

I wasn’t a soup person — not even close.
If you’d offered me a choice, for the longest time, I’d politely pass… unless it was sweet corn soup, the only one that ever mildly interested me.

But today, here I am, writing about soup — not out of love, but out of a seriously annoying cold that refuses to leave. If you know me even a little, you know cold and I have a love-hate relationship. Mostly hate. It shows up uninvited (bin bulaya mehmaan!) and once it’s here, it settles down, overstays, and ensures I cough and sneeze my way into everyone’s nerves.

You might remember — we recently shifted to our new apartment. It’s not exactly on the outskirts, but definitely breezy and open. There's a lake visible in the distance, villas scattered around, and a delightful lack of high-rises crowding our view. The upside? Beautiful sunsets, endless skies, and lots of fresh air. The downside? Too much fresh (read: cold) air, especially for someone like me whose immunity crumbles at the slightest gust.

It’s been 10 days of cold and its best friend phlegm hanging around. Yesterday, my husband made me a hot and sour soup from a store-bought pack — but added his secret magic: chunky garlic bits to amp up the strength. And while sipping on that, my mind wandered…

Why this sudden obsession with soup?

Well, the answer is tomato soup. The one I always order now, with loads of croutons.

I remember how it started.
At one of my older workplaces, our office building had two canteens — a smaller one just for us, and a bigger one that served everyone in the building. We usually ignored the small one. But one chilly winter afternoon, after starting my day at 6 AM (thanks to working for the North American marketplace), I was craving something hot and comforting.

There he was. A man in a red shirt, standing inside the small canteen near the door, with three huge steel containers and a jar full of corn flakes beside him. The smell hit me first — divine, spicy, warm. SOUP.

Every day, he’d serve three types: tomato, sweet corn, and either hot & sour or manchow. No matter what you picked, he’d top it off with generous corn flakes, smile, and hand it over with the gentlest warmth.

I went with sweet corn that first day.
Then I tried tomato soup.
That was it. The beginning of a soup era.

It became a winter constant. For 1–2 months, every single afternoon, I’d find myself near the door, secretly hoping he was there. On the days he didn’t show up, it was pure disappointment. But when he did — oh, those cups of joy! Tasty, healthy, light, and so satisfying.

Eventually, we shifted to a different building.
He didn’t come there.
And just like that, the soup phase paused.

I don’t make tomato soup often because it needs patience (and while I can give love, patience is another story). So I end up ordering it whenever cold strikes. And yes, I always write the same instruction in Swiggy:

“Please send many bread croutons with soup, thank you.”

I never knew what many meant to them. But for me, it meant a whole bag full, obviously.

And honestly — if you’re already paying delivery charges and taxes… why not throw in dry manchurian too? 🤷🏻‍♀️

(This post — I hope my husband never reads.
When it comes to food and health, he and I are opposites in every sense 😄)

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes (roughly chopped)

• 1 small onion (chopped)

• 2 garlic cloves (chopped)

• 1 small carrot (peeled & chopped, optional for sweetness)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp butter or ghee

• 2 cups water

• Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)

• Bread croutons or corn flakes for topping

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat 1 tsp butter or ghee. Add garlic and onions. Sauté till translucent.

2. Add chopped tomatoes and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes till they soften.

3. Add 2 cups water. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.

4. Once cooled a bit, blend everything into a smooth puree.

5. Strain the puree if you prefer a smoother texture.

6. Pour it back into the pan, add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

7. Serve hot, topped with croutons or corn flakes and a sprig of coriander.

Srishti’s Secret Tip for the Perfect Plate:

Add a tiny pinch of garam masala or smoked paprika right at the end for a cozy, comforting depth — especially if you’re fighting a cold.

Srishti’s Healing Tip for the Perfect Plate:

This tomato soup is more than comfort — it gently soothes your throat, eases congestion, and warms your chest when you're under the weather. Garlic boosts immunity, and the warm broth feels like a quiet lullaby to your body on tired days.

Why You’ll Love This:

Because it’s cozy. It’s light. It’s nostalgic. It’s quick to make and always, always warms your heart — especially when it’s raining outside or your cold just refuses to leave!