This tomato soup is warm, smooth, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy meal or as a starter!
Honestly, there’s nothing like a bowl of homemade tomato soup to brighten your day. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich – now that’s a classic comfort combo!
For me, making this soup is a breeze. I just blend the tomatoes and spices, heat it up, and enjoy the tasty goodness. It warms both the belly and the heart!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds delicious depth to your soup. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or even butter for a different flavor.
Onion: A medium onion provides a sweet and savory base. If you need a quick alternative, shallots or leeks work well, too.
Fresh Tomatoes: I love using fresh tomatoes for a vibrant flavor, but canned crushed tomatoes make it quick and easy. Just toss in a couple of cans when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly, but chicken broth gives it a heartier taste. Go with whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Heavy Cream: This is optional for extra creaminess. You can swap it with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or skip it entirely for a lighter soup.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Vegetables?
The way you sauté your vegetables can really amp up the flavor in your soup! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating the olive oil in your pot before adding the vegetables.
- Cook your onions, carrot, and celery until they’re soft—this is the “mirepoix” and it lays the flavor foundation. Aim for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
- Don’t rush adding the garlic! Just a minute at the end will keep it flavorful and prevent it from burning.
- Stirring in the tomato paste for a minute allows it to caramelize slightly and enhances the overall taste.
By taking these steps, you’re creating a rich base for your tomato soup that will make a noticeable difference in flavor!
How to Make Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use canned crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Cherry tomato halves, for garnish
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
- Crusty bread or toasted slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tomato soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you should set aside around 45 minutes to enjoy this homemade delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes or until they soften. This creates a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor of the soup.
3. Mix in Tomatoes and Broth:
Now it’s time to add the fresh chopped tomatoes (or your canned crushed tomatoes). Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the optional sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften completely.
5. Blend the Soup:
Once the soup is ready, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
6. Final Touches:
When your soup is blended, return it to the pot. If you want to add a touch of creaminess, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and gently heat for a few more minutes, being careful not to boil.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves, cherry tomato halves, and thyme sprigs for a pop of color. Serve your delectable tomato soup with crusty bread or toasted slices on the side, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Enjoy a luscious bowl of homemade tomato soup, rich, velvety, and full of fresh flavor!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned crushed tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Simply replace the fresh tomatoes with an equal amount of canned tomatoes for a quicker and just as tasty soup.
Can I Freeze Leftover Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make the soup vegan, simply omit the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Ensure that you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as well.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs and spices like a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, fresh oregano, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is also a delightful touch if you’re not keeping it vegan!
