As the winter chill sets in, memories of train travel in India often come with a specific culinary delight: a steaming, comforting bowl of Cream of Tomato Soup served with crispy fried croutons. This iconic dish, a staple on Indian Railways menus for decades, is now something you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. If you've ever wished for a second serving, why not try making this nostalgic treat at home? Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing the authentic Indian Railway–style Cream of Tomato Soup.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To begin, you will need to assemble the following ingredients. The key is using 5–6 ripe red tomatoes for the best flavor. You will also require 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp oil, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida), 2 cups water, ½ cup milk, 1 tsp sugar, salt to taste, ¼ tsp black pepper powder, 1 bay leaf, 1 clove, 1 tsp cream, and bread croutons for serving. Having everything measured and ready will make the cooking process smooth and quick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Tomato Base
The first step involves creating a smooth tomato puree. In a pan, combine the chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, clove, and two cups of water. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the tomatoes become completely soft and mushy. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly before blending it into a smooth liquid. For that classic silky texture of the railway soup, it is crucial to strain this puree to remove all seeds and bits of skin.
Creating the Creamy Soup
Now, take another pan and heat the butter and oil together over a low flame. Add the all-purpose flour and sauté it gently until it turns fragrant; this is your roux, which will thicken the soup. Next, carefully add the strained tomato puree to this pan. Stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. At this stage, season the soup with salt, sugar, and black pepper powder according to your taste.
Pour in the milk and mix everything thoroughly. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5–7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to achieve a slightly creamy consistency. If you find the soup too thick, you can adjust it by adding a little hot water until you reach your desired consistency. The result should be a thin, smooth, and mildly sweet soup that perfectly mimics the railway version.
Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Delight
Your Indian Railway–style Cream of Tomato Soup is now ready. Ladle it into bowls while it's piping hot. The final, essential touch is to top it with a swirl of fresh cream and a generous handful of crunchy bread croutons. This combination of the hot, creamy soup with the crispy croutons is what makes this dish an unforgettable experience. It's more than just a soup; it's a taste of travel, nostalgia, and pure winter comfort, all from your home kitchen.
