There’s something magical about a warm bowl of tomato soup. The aroma wafts through the air, tickling your nose, while the vibrant red hue brightens your day. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a little comfort food.
Whenever I think of tomato soup, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen. My mom would whip up a steaming pot while we watched the rain dance against the window. That rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture made it feel like an event every time. Whether it’s paired with a gooey grilled cheese or simply enjoyed on its own, this dish is always a hit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato soup recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor is rich and comforting, making it a family favorite
- Its vibrant color will brighten up any table setting and can be customized with various toppings for added flair
I still remember my friend’s reaction when I made this for a cozy gathering. They practically licked their bowls clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Fresh Tomatoes: Opt for ripe tomatoes for a naturally sweet flavor; vine-ripened varieties work wonders.
-
Onions: Use yellow onions for their balanced sweetness; they create a flavorful base.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key; it adds depth and aroma that will elevate your soup.
-
Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while letting the tomato flavor shine.
-
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
-
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds that garden-fresh essence; use it as a garnish for brightness.
-
Sugar: A pinch of sugar balances acidity; don’t worry, it won’t make it sweet!
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; these bring all the flavors together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and sweet-smelling, about 5 minutes.
Adding Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and diced fresh tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 7-10 minutes. The kitchen will smell divine!
Incorporating Broth: Pour in vegetable broth along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Blending Smoothly: Once cooked, carefully blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If you love texture, you can leave some chunks intact!
Tasting and Adjusting Seasonings: Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as necessary—add more salt or pepper if needed to enhance flavors further.
Garnishing with Fresh Basil: Serve hot with torn basil leaves on top for freshness! Pair with toasted bread or grilled cheese for an extra treat.
Now that you have this delightful tomato soup recipe under your belt, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties—all while keeping things simple. Enjoy every slurp!
You Must Know
- The secret to a great tomato soup lies in choosing ripe tomatoes; their sweetness elevates the flavor
- Additionally, don’t skip the sautéing step; it enhances depth and aroma
- A dash of cream can transform your soup into a luxurious experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add your chopped tomatoes. Let them simmer before blending for a velvety texture, giving your soup that restaurant-quality finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh tomatoes for canned ones on busy days. You can also sprinkle fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick to make the soup uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tomato soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your tomato soup truly special, remember these tips</strong>: use high-quality tomatoes, balance acidity with a pinch of sugar, and never rush the blending process for that perfect smoothness
- Each tip helps elevate flavors and textures in your dish
Sharing my first attempt at tomato soup still makes me smile; my friends devoured it in minutes, claiming I had “cooked magic.” Their compliments made me realize that homemade comfort food brings people together.
FAQ
How can I make my tomato soup thicker?
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water while cooking for a thicker consistency.
Can I freeze tomato soup?
Yes, freezing works well! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
What’s the best way to season tomato soup?
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance flavor.
Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. This rich and creamy recipe features ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil, delivering a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Easily customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy appetites.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and diced tomatoes; cook until tomatoes soften (7-10 minutes).
- Pour in vegetable broth, add sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot with fresh basil on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
