Homemade Frozen Soup Base with Tomatoes, Bell Peppers & Herbs (No Preservatives!)
If you’re someone who enjoys flavorful, fresh-tasting soups all year round, this homemade frozen soup base is a real game-changer. Inspired by a springtime recipe from Leila, this version skips harmful preservatives like sodium benzoate (E211) and opts for a healthy, freezer-friendly alternative. With garden-fresh tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and a fragrant mix of parsley, celery leaves, and lovage, this blend brings a natural depth of flavor to any broth. Forget the chemical additives—this method is safe, simple, and perfect for busy home cooks!
🕒 Prep Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking (blanching): 5 minutes
- Freezing: As needed
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ripe tomatoes
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) red bell peppers (gogosari, if available)
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 2 bunches of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of lovage (or extra celery leaves if unavailable)
🍅 How to Prepare
- Clean the bell peppers
Wash the peppers, remove stems, cores, and seeds. For easier seed removal, rinse them under running water. - Blanch and peel the tomatoes
Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato, then blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Let cool slightly and peel off the skins. - Chop the vegetables
- Place the cleaned bell peppers in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Next, process the tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
- Finally, blend the herbs (parsley, lovage, and celery leaves) and mix into the vegetable blend.
- Portion and freeze
Spoon the mixture into small containers or disposable cups. Cover with plastic wrap or lids and freeze. This mix will keep its freshness and flavor for months.
💡 Tips & Storage
- Preservative-free & safe: This method uses no sodium benzoate or excessive salt—great for children and those with food sensitivities.
- Long shelf life: Stored properly in the freezer, this base can last up to 6–8 months.
- Perfect for ciorbă: Add one frozen portion directly into your soup pot during cooking for instant flavor.
🍲 Serving Ideas
Use this mix as a natural flavor booster in:
- Vegetable soups
- Chicken or turkey broth
- Lentil or bean stews
- Tomato-based sauces
🧠 Final Thoughts
This recipe is proof that you don’t need additives to preserve the essence of summer vegetables. Whether you’re avoiding E-numbers or just looking for a fresher way to cook, this frozen soup base is a smart, nutritious, and tasty solution. Stock up now and enjoy rich, home-cooked flavors all winter long!