Cozy Homemade Best Tomato Soup Recipe for Comfort Days

Crafting the best tomato soup demands passion and a touch of culinary magic.

Ripe tomatoes burst with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Home kitchens can easily transform simple ingredients into comfort in a bowl.

Every spoonful tells a story of warmth and nourishment.

Seasonal produce becomes a canvas for delicious creativity.

Rich, velvety textures invite you to savor each magnificent bite.

This recipe promises to revolutionize your soup experience with its authentic, soul-satisfying essence.

The Ultimate Tomato Soup to Savor

• Simplify Cooking: Whip up this tomato soup with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare a warm, satisfying dish in under an hour that fills the kitchen with delightful aromas and promises hearty flavors.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize this soup with optional cream, various toppings, and herbs to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fresh tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and optional protein-rich garnishes, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that supports healthy eating without compromising on taste.

Essential Ingredients for Tomato Soup

• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy base that provides the rich, vibrant flavor of the soup.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to the soup's overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Offers a robust and aromatic depth to the tomato soup.

• Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation that enhances the soup's overall taste and consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's natural flavors.
• Sugar, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Optional ingredients that add subtle sweetness and herbal notes to the soup.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Half-and-Half: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, fresh garnish with an aromatic herb flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese, Croutons, Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze, Sour Cream: Delicious additions that customize the soup's final presentation and taste.

How to Make the Best Tomato Soup

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and see-through, about 5-7 minutes.

Drop in minced garlic and let it dance around for another minute, releasing its wonderful aroma.

• Olive oil or butter
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 2: Introduce Tomato Magic

Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor profile.

Pour in whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them with a wooden spoon to release their juicy goodness.

Add vegetable or chicken broth to create a rich liquid base.

• Tomato paste
• Whole peeled tomatoes
• Vegetable or chicken broth

Step 3: Build Depth with Seasonings

Sprinkle in sugar for a subtle sweetness.

Add dried oregano or thyme to enhance the tomato flavor.

Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Sugar (optional)
• Dried oregano or thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Create Smooth Perfection

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky smooth consistency.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until completely smooth.

Return the soup to the pot if you used a standard blender.

Step 5: Add Luxurious Creaminess

For those who love a velvety texture, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.

Warm the soup through for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let it boil.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Ladle the soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of freshness.

Get creative with toppings like grated Parmesan, crispy croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic glaze, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Smooth and Flavorful Soup

• Caramelize onions slowly to unlock rich, sweet undertones that elevate the soup's overall taste profile.
• Use an immersion blender for silky texture, avoiding splatters and making cleanup easier compared to transferring hot soup.
• Add cream off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a velvety, luxurious consistency without compromising texture.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme just before serving to introduce vibrant, aromatic notes that brighten the soup's flavor.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste preservation.

Variations to Enhance Tomato Soup

• Roasted Veggie Tomato Soup: Replace whole peeled tomatoes with roasted red peppers and fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor profile.
• Vegan Creamy Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains richness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Soup: Add red pepper flakes, cumin, and garnish with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Skip sugar, use bone broth instead of vegetable broth, and add extra virgin olive oil for increased fat content.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Soup

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, velvety tomato goodness.
• Gourmet Cheese Topping: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, or creamy goat cheese on top for an extra layer of tangy flavor and luxurious texture.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Scatter chopped fresh basil, chives, or parsley to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the soup's presentation and taste.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or white beans to transform this soup into a more substantial and filling meal.

How to Store Tomato Soup Properly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Transfer refrigerated soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.
• Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and warm gently until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• Why use tomato paste in this recipe?

Tomato paste adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup, providing a rich base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute whole peeled tomatoes with 2-3 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes, blanched, peeled, and chopped. Fresh tomatoes will give a slightly different flavor profile but work well in the recipe.

• Is it necessary to use an immersion blender?

While an immersion blender is convenient, you can use a standard blender to puree the soup. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in batches to prevent accidents.

Best Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting classic Italian tomato soup brings warmth and depth to your winter meals. Fresh San Marzano tomatoes and aromatic basil create a rich, smooth experience you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare aromatics by warming olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Gently sauté diced onions for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until its aroma intensifies.
2. Incorporate tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to enhance flavor complexity. Add whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them with a wooden spoon. Pour vegetable broth into the mixture, creating a rich base.
3. Enhance the soup’s depth by adding sugar, dried herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Elevate heat to bring contents to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to develop flavors for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender to create a silky smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer soup to a standard blender, processing until completely uniform. Return mixture to pot if necessary.
5. For a luxurious finish, fold in heavy cream, gently warming for 2-3 minutes without reaching a boiling point. This step adds a velvety richness to the soup’s profile.
6. Serve the soup in individual bowls, adorning with fresh basil leaves. Customize with optional garnishes like Parmesan cheese, crisp croutons, a delicate olive oil drizzle, balsamic glaze, or a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Enhance the tomato flavor by using fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a deeper, smokier taste that adds complexity to the soup.
• Skip the cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly version by substituting with coconut milk or nutritional yeast for richness.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and adjusting salt levels gradually during cooking, tasting as you go.
• Boost nutrition by adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the final minutes of simmering, which wilts the greens and adds extra vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg