There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato soup recipe to bring comfort to any day. This recipe delivers a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful experience right in your kitchen. Imagine rich, velvety soup perfectly paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. You will love its creamy texture and rich, comforting taste. It’s a simple pleasure everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup
You’ll find many reasons to adore this homemade classic:
- Quick and Easy: Get a delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: A perfect blend of sweet and savory notes for an incredible taste.
- Perfectly Creamy and Satisfying: Indulge in its velvety smooth texture.
- Versatile: Enjoy this cozy soup for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
- Great for Make-Ahead Meals: Prepare it in advance for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Favorite: A timeless dish that appeals to everyone.
Easy Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat butter in a non-reactive pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.
- Add crushed tomatoes with juice, chicken stock, basil, sugar, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, use a countertop blender in batches and return to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently (do not boil) until creamy and well blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional sugar as needed. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Ingredients
Making this delicious tomato soup recipe requires simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving its rich flavor and creamy consistency.
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 2 yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
- 3 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced): Enhances the soup’s savory depth.
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two, 28-oz cans) with their juice, preferably San Marzano: The heart of this tomato soup recipe, offering rich, sweet flavor. For more insight into why San Marzano tomatoes are often preferred for their balanced flavor, explore what makes San Marzano tomatoes special.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Forms the liquid base; choose low-sodium.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more to serve): Brightens the flavors with its aromatic notes.
- 1 Tbsp sugar (or added to taste): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste): Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or to taste to combat acidity): Creates the signature creamy texture and mellows tartness.
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more to serve): Provides a salty, umami finish.
Notes & Substitutions
- Canned whole tomatoes: You can use two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Crush them by hand or pulse them quickly in a food processor before adding.
- Dried basil: If fresh basil isn’t available, use 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Add it with the tomatoes to allow it to soften and release its flavor.
- Fresh tomatoes: While possible, using fresh tomatoes is very time-consuming for this particular tomato soup recipe. They require blanching, peeling, and crushing. Canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and save time.
- Chicken stock: For the best flavor in your tomato soup, consider using homemade chicken stock. Store-bought low-sodium options also work well.
- Vegetable broth: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping chicken stock for a good quality vegetable broth.
- Acidity adjustment: If your finished soup tastes too acidic, add another pinch of sugar or a splash more heavy cream until the flavor is perfectly balanced.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful tomato soup. Gather these essentials before you begin:
- A non-reactive pot like a Dutch oven or stainless steel saucepan.
- A cutting board and sharp knife for prepping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions.
- An immersion blender or regular blender for a smooth consistency.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
- A cheese grater for fresh Parmesan.
Instructions
This easy tomato soup recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. Follow these directions to create a truly delicious, creamy soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a non-reactive pot or enameled Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter, then add the finely chopped yellow onions. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly golden. This step builds a rich flavor foundation for your tomato soup recipe.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute more, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the soup bitter.
- Simmer Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, chopped fresh basil, granulated sugar (or add sugar to taste), and black pepper to the pot. Stir all the ingredients together well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a complex tomato soup.
- Blend Soup: You can certainly leave your soup with a chunky consistency if you prefer. However, for a velvety smooth creamy tomato soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the hot soup to the blender in batches. Do not over-fill the blender; fill it only about halfway. Pulse a few times initially to get it started, then blend until smooth. Return all blended soup to the pot over medium heat.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream and the 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, but do not allow it to boil vigorously after adding the cream, as this can cause it to separate.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. You might also want to add a little more sugar or cream if it tastes too acidic. Once seasoned to your liking, turn off the heat.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the warm, creamy tomato soup into bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few more chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy your delicious homemade tomato soup!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect creamy tomato soup is simple with these pointers:
- Use a non-reactive pot: Always opt for stainless steel or enameled cast iron. Reactive metals like aluminum can react with the tomatoes, giving the soup a metallic taste. Understanding the science behind why certain cookware reacts with acidic foods is important for maintaining flavor integrity.
- Blender safety: When using a regular blender for hot liquids, never fill it completely. Start blending on a low speed or use the pulse function to prevent pressure buildup.
- Adjust acidity: If your tomato soup tastes too acidic, a little extra sugar or a splash more heavy cream can balance the flavors beautifully. Taste and adjust incrementally.
- Season to taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Flavors can develop and change during cooking.
- For chunky soup: If you prefer a more rustic texture, simply skip the blending step entirely. You’ll still get all the rich flavors of this delicious tomato soup recipe.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile simple tomato soup is perfect for any occasion.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair it with classic grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
- Top with crunchy homemade croutons for texture.
- Serve alongside toasted crusty bread or crostini for dipping.
- Storage Instructions:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- Freezing Tips:
- For best results, freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream.
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop and then stir in the heavy cream until warmed through.
- Variations:
- Roasted Red Pepper: Roast 1-2 red bell peppers, peel them, and blend them into the soup for a smoky, sweet twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a touch of heat.
- Other Herbs: Experiment with other complementary herbs like a pinch of dried oregano or thyme alongside the basil.
Nutrition
Enjoying this delicious homemade tomato soup means you are treating yourself to a wholesome meal.
| Per serving (1 cup) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 222 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 422mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Vitamin A | 895 IU |
| Vitamin C | 21mg |
| Calcium | 140mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Daily values may vary based on individual dietary needs and specific ingredient brands used.
FAQ
You have questions, and we have answers about making this fantastic tomato soup!
Can I substitute canned whole tomatoes?
Yes, you can. Crush two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes by hand or pulse them quickly in a food processor before adding them to the pot.
Can I use dried basil?
Absolutely. Use 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of fresh. Add it with the tomatoes so it has time to rehydrate and release its flavor into your tomato soup recipe.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
While possible, it’s generally not recommended for this quick and easy recipe. Fresh tomatoes require more prep work like blanching, peeling, and crushing, which adds significant time.
What stock do you use for tomato soup?
For a richer flavor, chicken bone broth is excellent. However, you can also use regular chicken stock or switch to vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
What if my soup is too sour or acidic?
First, make sure you used a non-reactive pot. Then, you can easily balance the acidity by stirring in an additional pinch of sugar or a little extra heavy cream.
Conclusion
This easy creamy tomato soup recipe proves that comfort food can be both simple and incredibly delicious. With minimal effort, you can create a rich, velvety soup that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with your family and friends. We’d love to hear your feedback on how much you enjoyed this comforting classic!
