There’s nothing more comforting than a warm tomato soup recipe on a chilly day. Creamy, rich, and bursting with fresh tomato flavor, this soup is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed across generations. Whether paired with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or savored on its own, tomato soup holds a special place in both home kitchens and restaurant menus. This recipe is simple, wholesome, and can easily be made with pantry staples, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup Recipe
- Easy and Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for beginners.
- Healthy and Wholesome – Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fresh tomato flavor.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Comfort Food Classic – Brings back nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals.
- Customizable – Can be made creamy, spicy, or dairy-free depending on your taste.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Tomato Soup Recipe
- Fresh Tomatoes – The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and acidity.
- Onion – Adds depth and mild sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
- Garlic – Enhances flavor with a savory, aromatic punch.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Creates a smooth, flavorful base for the soup.
- Olive Oil or Butter – Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- Fresh Basil – Provides a fragrant, herby freshness that complements tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tomato Soup Recipe
- Sauté the base – Heat olive oil or butter in a pot. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes – Stir in fresh chopped tomatoes (or canned if preferred). Cook until they break down and release juices.
- Add broth – Pour in vegetable or chicken broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Blend until smooth – Use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the soup until creamy.
- Season and finish – Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Adjust thickness with more broth if needed.
- Serve warm – Garnish with shredded cheese, cream, or extra basil for a restaurant-quality finish.
Expert Tip: For a silky texture, strain the soup after blending to remove seeds and skin.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Creamy Twist – Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer soup.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Roasted Tomato Flavor – Roast tomatoes before cooking for deeper, smoky notes.
- Vegan Option – Use vegetable broth and olive oil instead of butter.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this cozy tomato soup recipe, you’ll definitely want to try a few more hearty, comforting bowls. Warm up with a cheesy and flavorful Lasagna Soup, indulge in the rich caramelized flavors of French Onion Soup, or keep it classic and nourishing with a homemade Chicken Soup Recipe. Each of these soups brings its own unique twist to comfort food while staying simple and beginner-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! High-quality canned tomatoes work well, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
Q: How do I thicken tomato soup?
Simmer longer to reduce liquid, or add a splash of cream or a spoonful of tomato paste.
Q: What goes best with tomato soup?
A grilled cheese sandwich is the classic pairing, but it also works with garlic bread, salads, or roasted veggies.
Q: Can I make this tomato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
This tomato soup recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting taste, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to pair it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal!
Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes chopped (or 2 cans diced tomatoes, 28 oz each)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar optional, balances acidity
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream optional for creaminess
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese optional topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
- Stir in cream if using, then season with salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.