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Chilled Tomato-Tarragon Soup with Croutons

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This chilled tomato and tarragon soup is a sophisticated take on a summer classic, offering a refined balance of sweet plum tomatoes and the subtle, anise-like fragrance of fresh herbs. By gently sautéing the aromatics before straining, the soup achieves a silky texture and a concentrated depth of flavour that far surpasses a raw gazpacho. The addition of golden, tarragon-infused croutons provides a satisfying crunch against the cool, vibrant liquid.

As a naturally vegan dish, it makes an excellent light lunch or an elegant starter for a seasonal dinner party. The recipe relies on high-quality olive oil and ripe tomatoes to truly shine, making it a wonderful way to showcase a garden harvest. Serve it thoroughly chilled on a warm afternoon for a refreshing and healthy meal that feels truly indulgent.

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Ingredients for Chilled Tomato-Tarragon Soup with Croutons

  • 120ml olive oil, divided

  • 110ml finely chopped fresh tarragon, divided

  • 8 1/3-inch-thick baguette slices

  • 1025ml coarsely chopped plum tomatoes (about 1.5kg), divided

  • 120g chopped shallots

  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped

  • 1/4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

How to make Chilled Tomato-Tarragon Soup with Croutons

Mix 60ml oil and 4 tablespoons tarragon in bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Brush over both sides of bread. Toast bread in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer croutons to plate.

Meanwhile, heat 60ml oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add 950ml tomatoes, next 3 ingredients, and 45ml tarragon. Sauté until vegetables just begin to soften, about 6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook until tomatoes and shallots are soft, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Strain soup into bowl, pressing with rubber spatula to extract as much of the juice and solids as possible. Discard solids in sieve. Season soup with salt and pepper.

Freeze soup just until cold, about 30 minutes. Ladle into bowls. Top with croutons; sprinkle with 60ml chopped tomatoes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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