Tomato and herb broth is a savory, warming drink popular at social gatherings in the American South. Traditionally served as a pre-dinner aperitif with appetizers, it also works beautifully as a base for soups and stews.
This comforting beverage is ideal for cold nights and holiday entertaining, and it’s a thoughtful option when you don’t drink alcohol or are the designated driver. It also makes a charming addition to bridal showers, baby showers, and luncheons.
This recipe is inspired by the Tomato Herb Broth served at the Wonderful World of Cooking Tea Room in Dallas, where it was presented in a demitasse cup alongside a cheddar cheese wafer. The simple, savory flavors make it a refined, non-alcoholic aperitif that pairs especially well with chicken salad and other light dishes.
Ingredients
Basic ingredients include tomato juice, chicken broth, dried onion, ground cloves, cayenne, ground cumin and dried dill. Adjust the heat to taste—use a spicy V8™ or a plain tomato juice, or substitute a Bloody Mary mix if you prefer a bolder, seasoned base.
How to make it
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until flavors meld. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and serve warm. For parties, keep the broth hot in a carafe or insulated server. Using reduced-sodium tomato juice gives you more control over salt and seasoning, which is helpful when making a larger batch.
Make it in advance?
Yes. Store the finished broth in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop until piping hot, then strain and serve.
Wanna add alcohol?
If you choose to add spirits, treat it like a warm Bloody Mary. Heat the broth first and then add vodka or gin to individual cups so guests can control their portion of alcohol.
Beyond being a delightful hot drink, tomato herb broth can be the starting point for many recipes. It pairs exceptionally well with boiled shrimp, spicy crab dip, a well-composed cheeseboard, or other savory hors d’oeuvres. It’s also an excellent option to bring along to chilly outdoor gatherings or sporting events.
Related recipes:
- Cheddar Wafers
- Holiday Sausage Balls
- Louisiana Crab Puffs
- Hickory Smoked Almond Stuffed Dates
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Tomato Herb Broth
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Ingredients
- 2¾ cups tomato juice (See Recipe Notes)
- 4⅜ cups chicken broth
- 1½ tablespoons dried onion
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons dried dill weed
Instructions
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In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and serve warm.
Notes
If you use a Bloody Mary mix or a spicy V8, wait to add the dried onion until the broth has cooked for a while, since many pre-made mixes already include seasonings.