This warming tomato soup is perfect for chilly days. Made with juicy tomatoes and a hint of herbs, it’s both tasty and comforting!
I love to dip a warm grilled cheese sandwich into my soup—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. Give it a try, you might just want to make it your new favorite lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables. If you have a different oil, like avocado oil or canola oil, you can use that. I love the hint of flavor olive oil gives but others work too!
Onion: Use a medium onion for sweetness. If you’re avoiding onions, leeks or shallots make good substitutes. For a milder flavor, try green onions!
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are best, but canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great alternative. They often have a richer flavor and save prep time. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or soy cream if you need a dairy-free substitute.
Broth: Vegetable broth is wonderful for a vegetarian version. For more flavor, use chicken broth. You can also make your broth from water and bouillon cubes if in a pinch!
Why is Blending Important for Tomato Soup?
Blending is key to achieving that silky smooth texture everyone loves in tomato soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Let the soup cool a bit before blending to avoid splatters.
- If using a regular blender, fill it only halfway and hold the lid down with a towel.
- An immersion blender is easier since you can blend directly in the pot. Just move it around until smooth!
Blending brings all those great flavors together and helps create a lovely consistency that’s perfect for enjoying with bread. Don’t rush this step!
How to Make Delicious Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes (halved), lightly pan-roasted for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 40 minutes in total, including about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This adds a wonderful flavor to your soup!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. You want the kitchen to start smelling amazing, but be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Cooking the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add in the chopped fresh tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring. The tomatoes should start breaking down and releasing their delicious juices. You’ll see and smell the bold flavors coming together!
4. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for another 15-20 minutes. This is when the flavors deepen and develop.
5. Blending the Soup:
Once your soup is ready, grab an immersion blender to purée it until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Be cautious with hot liquids! Blend until you achieve a silky texture.
6. Adding Cream and Seasoning:
Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a blender), and stir in the heavy cream. This will give your soup a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if you find it needs balancing. Gently warm the soup again without boiling.
7. Preparing the Garnish:
In a small pan, sauté the halved cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil until they are blistered and tender. This will add a nice touch to your soup!
8. Serving Your Tomato Soup:
Serve the soup hot. Drizzle some extra cream on top, sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, and add the sautéed cherry tomatoes for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy it with warm crusty bread to soak up all that goodness!
This creamy tomato soup is beautifully smooth and vibrant, bursting with flavor—and so comforting! Enjoy every spoonful! 🍅
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes can save time and often have a richer flavor. Just use about two cans in place of the fresh tomatoes in the recipe—no need to chop them!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
This soup can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth. For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. It’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Tomato Soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze Tomato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure it’s cooled down, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
