Homemade Tomato Soup
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Homemade Tomato Soup
Creating a Tomato Soup that delivers bold flavors with zero fuss is easier than you think. This homemade tomato soup recipe is your shortcut to a comforting classic that’s ready in minutes, not hours, using simple pantry staples for a globally inspired, locally quick meal.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food
- Weeknight Fast – You can have this creamy tomato soup on the table in about 40 minutes.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients – We use simple, accessible items like canned tomatoes for authentic flavor without the hassle.
- Globally Inspired, Locally Quick – This recipe captures the essence of a classic tomato soup with an efficient, health-smart approach.
- Effortlessly Creamy Texture – A quick blend creates that luxurious, smooth texture everyone loves.
What You’ll Need for Your Homemade Tomato Soup
For the Soup Base
- Butter – For sautéing the aromatics to a perfect softness.
- Onion and garlic – The essential flavor foundation that builds depth.
- Canned whole peeled tomatoes – Using the best quality you can find makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your easy tomato soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – Choose vegetable broth to keep this a vegetarian-friendly option.
For Finishing & Seasoning
- Heavy cream – Adds a touch of richness and creaminess.
- Sugar – Just a teaspoon perfectly balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning to your personal taste.
From Pantry to Bowl in Under 40 Minutes
I love how this recipe respects your time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of mostly hands-off cooking, this easy tomato soup is the ultimate meal-prep friendly dinner. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you crave something warm and comforting.
Compared to recipes that require roasting tomatoes for hours, this version gets you to the same delicious destination in a fraction of the time. The simmering time is just enough to let the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re looking for another quick comfort food, check out my fast Stracciatella Soup.
Adapting Your Soup for a Sugar-Conscious Diet
Making this homemade tomato soup work for a low-sugar or diabetic-friendly lifestyle is straightforward. The natural sugars in the tomatoes are the primary source, and with a couple of smart tweaks, you can easily manage the glycemic impact.
First, you can omit the added teaspoon of sugar entirely. The ripe tomatoes provide plenty of natural sweetness. For an even lower glycemic index, consider a pinch of a natural sugar alternative like stevia. Also, pairing your soup with a protein-rich side can help with glucose management.
My Secret Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make a world of difference. Here are my pro tips to ensure your creamy tomato soup is absolutely perfect every single time.
- Flavor Swap: For a richer, deeper flavor, use a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions. It adds a wonderful umami complexity.
- Diet Tweak: To make this soup dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. It creates an equally luxurious texture. For more creamy ideas, explore this creamy potato soup.
- Texture Fix: For an ultra-smooth consistency, pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve. It’s an extra step, but it removes any tiny seeds or bits of skin.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully without the cream. Add the cream fresh when reheating for the best texture. If you love meal prep, you’ll appreciate the tips in my veggie soup guide.
Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
Make this easy homemade tomato soup with simple ingredients in just 40 minutes. Our creamy tomato soup recipe features fresh flavors and perfect texture for a comforting meal.
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- knife
- cutting board
- wooden spoon
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- blender or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with their juices
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to break the tomatoes up slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use an immersion blender for easier blending directly in the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
The Wholesome Goodness in Every Spoonful
This classic tomato soup isn’t just a treat for your taste buds. It’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked, as it is in this soup.
This dish is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Using a low-sodium broth helps you control the salt content, making it a heart-smart choice. For another nutrient-packed option, try this broccoli cheddar soup. According to health experts at Healthline, cooked tomatoes offer significant health advantages. You can also get your veggie boost from this creamy vegetable soup.
Creating a Lighter, Brighter Version
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can easily lighten up this comfort food soup. Instead of heavy cream, stir in a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt at the end for creaminess and a protein boost.
You can also increase the vegetable content by adding a chopped carrot or red bell pepper when you sauté the onions. This is a great way to add more fiber and nutrients. For a different take on a light, flavorful soup, this lemon chicken soup is fantastic.
Serving Your Soup: The Cozy Finale
I love serving this soup on a chilly evening with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich for dipping—it’s a classic combo for a reason. The contrast of the hot, smooth soup with the crispy, cheesy bread is pure comfort.
For a more substantial meal, pair it with a simple side salad. A garnish of fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevates the presentation instantly. For another great pairing idea, check out this hearty potato sausage chowder. A crusty bread like a baguette is another perfect accompaniment, much like with this butternut squash soup.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even an easy tomato soup recipe can have pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues and ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
Why is my tomato soup too acidic? This usually happens if you skip the sugar. The sugar isn’t for sweetness; it’s crucial for balancing the tomatoes’ acidity. Don’t omit it!
How to prevent a bland soup? The key is seasoning in layers. Don’t wait until the end. Season your onions with a pinch of salt as they cook, and always taste and adjust at the finish.
Why did my cream curdle? To avoid curdling, temper the cream by stirring a little hot soup into it first, then adding that mixture back into the pot. Also, never let the soup boil after adding the cream. For more troubleshooting tips, resources from Serious Eats are invaluable. I learned this the hard way with my first attempt at a creamy roasted cauliflower soup. Another common issue is burning the garlic, which you can avoid by following the tips in this roasted basil tomato soup guide.
Keeping Your Soup Fresh for Days
This soup stores wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the cream) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring in the cream at the end. This method works great for many pureed soups, like my spicy pumpkin soup.
Why This Tomato Soup Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients. It’s a reliable path to a satisfying, wholesome meal that feels both familiar and special. The simplicity of the method means you can make it without stress, and the result is always comforting.
I encourage you to make this your own. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in some fresh herbs. Once you see how easy it is to create this classic from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned version. If you enjoy this, you might also love the simplicity of a basic vegetable soup, the freshness of a spring vegetable soup, or the hearty warmth of an Italian penicillin soup. This truly is the perfect Tomato Soup for any night of the week.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Adore
If this tomato soup hit the spot, you’re going to love exploring these other comforting bowls. They’re all designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Hearty Vegetable Soup – A chunky, nutrient-packed soup that’s a meal in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to good tomato soup?
The secret to a great tomato soup lies in balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sugar and building a flavorful base with well-sautéed onions and garlic. Using good-quality canned tomatoes and not skipping the blending step for a smooth texture are also key.
How do you thicken tomato soup?
This tomato soup recipe is naturally thickened by blending the cooked tomatoes and vegetables. If you want it even thicker, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions.
What can I add to tomato soup to make it taste better?
To enhance your homemade tomato soup, try stirring in fresh basil or a pinch of oregano at the end. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a dash of balsamic glaze can also add wonderful depth and complexity to the flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes. You’ll need to blanch, peel, and seed them first, which adds to the prep time. Canned tomatoes are a great convenience option and often provide a consistent, rich flavor year-round for this creamy tomato soup.
