Nothing soothes the soul quite like a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup. Whether it’s the chill of fall, the heart of winter, or simply a day where you need a bowl of comfort, this Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-approved, and packed with vibrant, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in this nostalgic favorite.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make the perfect tomato soup from scratch. From choosing the right tomatoes to blending and serving, we cover it all. Let’s dive into the aromatic world of homemade soup making!
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.
- Healthy Ingredients: No preservatives, just fresh vegetables and herbs.
- Customizable: Make it vegan, spicy, or extra creamy.
- Perfect Pairing: Pairs perfectly with grilled cheese, garlic bread, or a simple salad.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
Core Ingredients:
- Fresh Tomatoes (1 kg): Roma or vine-ripened work best for deep, natural sweetness.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds aromatic depth and savory undertones.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances flavor and brings warmth.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): The base fat for sautéing, providing a smooth texture and richness.
- Tomato Paste (1 tbsp): Boosts the tomato flavor with concentrated intensity.
- Vegetable Broth (500 ml): Adds body to the soup without overpowering the flavor.
- Salt, Pepper, Sugar: Seasoning essentials to balance acidity and enhance taste.
- Basil (1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh): A classic herb that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Optional Ingredients:
- Heavy Cream (100 ml): For a luscious, creamy finish. Substitute with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and freshness.
- Croutons or Grilled Cheese (for serving): Traditional pairings that elevate the experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. These aromatics create the flavor base for your soup.
2. Cook the Tomatoes
Add chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and concentrate their flavors.
3. Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and develop.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, cool the soup slightly and blend in batches to avoid hot splashes.
5. Stir in the Cream
Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, a swirl of cream, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Underripe tomatoes can make the soup sour and bland.
- Add Baking Soda (a pinch): Neutralizes acidity if your tomatoes are overly tart.
- Roast the Tomatoes: For an extra depth of flavor, roast the tomatoes with onions and garlic before adding them to the pot.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Go Dairy-Free: Coconut milk or soaked cashews blended into the soup provide excellent creaminess.
Variations to Try
- Tomato Basil Soup: Use plenty of fresh basil and skip the cream.
- Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup: Add one roasted red bell pepper for smokiness.
- Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup: Stir in cooked tortellini or small pasta for a hearty meal.
- Curried Tomato Soup: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a warming twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairing: Grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar or mozzarella.
- Lighter Option: Serve with a green salad with vinaigrette.
- Crunch Factor: Add homemade garlic croutons or toast points.
- Finish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Stir well before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl full of comfort, nostalgia, and warmth. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a soul-soothing dish that delights every time. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy day or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this tomato soup has your back.
Tomato Soup Recipe
Description
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy homemade tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream. This quick and easy soup recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep, and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
For Creaminess (Optional but Recommended)
For Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to prevent burning.
Add Tomatoes and Flavorings
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pot along with tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Stir well and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and deepen in flavor.
Pour in the Broth and Simmer
- Add vegetable broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches using a high-speed blender. Be cautious of hot splashes.
Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning
- Return the smooth soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream (or alternative) and warm through for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of cream or olive oil, fresh basil, and croutons if desired. Serve hot with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Note
Tomatoes: Use vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes for best flavor. In off-season, you can substitute with high-quality canned whole tomatoes.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Stir in a splash of cream or broth if it thickens.
Variations: Add red chili flakes for heat, roasted red peppers for depth, or grated Parmesan for umami.
