BEST TOMATO SOUP RECIPE

Picture this: a bowl of velvety smooth Tomato Soup, its rich, tangy aroma filling your kitchen, each spoonful a comforting hug on a chilly day. This isn’t your average canned soup; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience made with love (and a few simple ingredients!). Get ready to discover the best homemade Tomato Soup recipe you’ll ever taste – I promise you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Tomatoes:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Creaminess (optional):
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Garnish (optional):
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Croutons
  • A swirl of cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Flavor:

2. Add the Tomatoes:

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.

3. Simmer:

   Add the vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (or honey). Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Don’t rush this step – it’s key to a great soup!

Finishing Touches:

4. Blend (Optional):

   If you prefer a super smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids! If using a regular blender, remove the center piece of the lid and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape.

5. Add Cream (Optional):

   Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut milk) for extra creaminess. If you want to keep it lighter, you can skip this step. But trust me, it adds a wonderful richness!

6. Season to Taste:

   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the salt will draw out more flavor, so add it gradually. Start with a little, taste, and then add more if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:

   Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, croutons, and a swirl of cream (if desired). This Tomato Soup is fantastic on its own or served with a grilled cheese sandwich. And for the ultimate comfort food experience, why not try serving your Tomato Soup With Cheddar Bay Biscuits? It’s a match made in heaven!

Tips for the BEST Tomato Soup

Choosing the Right Tomatoes:

The quality of your tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of your soup. I highly recommend using good-quality canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice if you can find them. Crushed tomatoes provide a nice texture, but you can also use whole peeled tomatoes and crush them yourself.

Adding Depth of Flavor:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A bay leaf added during simmering can add a subtle but complex flavor. Smoked paprika can also add a nice smoky note.

Making it Your Own:

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to the soup. You can also add cooked pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, to make it a heartier meal.

Tomato Soup Variations

Spicy Tomato Soup:

For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup while it’s simmering.

Roasted Tomato Soup:

Roasting the tomatoes before making the soup will intensify their flavor. Simply toss the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast them in a 400°F (200°C) oven until they are softened and slightly caramelized.

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons:

Take your tomato soup to the next level by topping it with grilled cheese croutons. Simply make a grilled cheese sandwich, cut it into small squares, and use them as croutons.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings:

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that pairs well with many dishes. A grilled cheese sandwich is the obvious choice, but it’s also great with a salad, a quesadilla, or even a simple piece of toast.

Soup and Casserole Recipes Combination:

For a heartier meal, consider pairing your tomato soup with a casserole. A cheesy Lasagna Soup would be a fantastic complement, or perhaps a comforting chicken pot pie casserole. The possibilities are endless!

More Soup Inspiration:

If you’re in the mood for other delicious soup recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup, Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup or Cheeseburger Soup. I’m always experimenting with new Soup And Casserole Recipes and Household Ingredient Recipes, so there’s sure to be something you’ll love.

Storing Leftover Tomato Soup

Leftover tomato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, stir well to ensure that the soup is heated evenly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving (depending on additions like cream)
• Fat: Varies depending on cream content
• Protein: 5-7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make the most comforting, flavorful Tomato Soup you’ve ever had! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!

Best Homemade Tomato Soup

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup, packed with rich, tangy flavor. This recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps to create a velvety smooth soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or any time you crave a classic dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board
• immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Ladle
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream optional
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
• Croutons for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
• Add the vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
• If you prefer a super smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids!
• Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut milk) for extra creaminess if desired.
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the salt will draw out more flavor, so add it gradually.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, croutons, and a swirl of cream (if desired).

Notes

For a richer flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes. To add depth, include a bay leaf while simmering. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Experiment with herbs and spices like smoked paprika. Consider adding other vegetables like carrots or celery. For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño. Roasting the tomatoes before making the soup will intensify their flavor.