There’s an undeniable comfort that comes with a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when it’s made from scratch. I first discovered the joy of homemade tomato soup on a chilly evening, craving something hearty yet simple. The vibrant hues of fresh tomatoes and the aromatic blend of garlic and basil filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits.
What I love about this recipe is its incredible ease and the way it transforms basic ingredients into something so fulfilling. With just a handful of items you probably already have, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also evokes memories of home-cooked meals.
In just 35 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with a bowl that feels luxurious yet remains affordable—perfect for those who are done with fast food and looking for genuine flavors. So, let’s dive into this delightful tomato soup recipe that’s bound to rekindle your love for homemade cooking!
Why You'll Love This Tomato Soup
- This tomato soup is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The flavor is simply divine, with the perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil that create a comforting experience in every spoonful.
- You can effortlessly customize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or ingredients, making it versatile for any palate.
- The vibrant color and inviting aroma make it visually appealing, elevating your dining experience and impressing your guests.
Tomato Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
• 2 lbs fresh tomatoes – the star of this dish, enhancing the flavor and nutrition of your homemade tomato soup.
• 1 medium onion – adds sweetness and depth, perfectly balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 4 garlic cloves – infuse the soup with a warm, savory aroma that makes it truly comforting.
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves – a burst of freshness that elevates the soup; use dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – enriches the soup and helps sauté the aromatics, lending a luscious mouthfeel.
• 1 tsp sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper – season to taste, drawing out the natural flavors of the ingredients for a delicious bowl of tomato soup.
How to Make Tomato Soup
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will start filling your kitchen!
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Sauté the Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, as we want a gentle flavor.
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Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and sugar. Let this mixture cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, creating a delightful base for your soup.
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Season the Soup: Once the tomatoes are softened, season the soup with salt, pepper, and the torn basil leaves. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
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Blend to Smoothness: Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it to a traditional blender.
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Simmer and Serve: Return the blended soup to low heat, adjust any seasonings if needed, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the flavors intensify, making every bite satisfying.
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra touch of charm.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tomato Soup Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will elevate your homemade tomato soup into something uniquely yours!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions for a warm heat.
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Creamy Texture: Stir in half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving for a velvety finish.
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Herb Blend: Experiment with different herbs by adding thyme or parsley for a refreshing herbal note that brightens the soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: Incorporate roasted bell peppers or carrots for a sweet, caramelized flavor that enhances the depth of the soup.
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Cheesy Delight: Top your soup with grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a rich flavor contrast.
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Asian Infusion: Mix in a splash of soy sauce and top with green onions for a flavorful fusion twist that surprises the palate.
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Lemony Freshness: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice right before serving to add a zesty brightness that elevates the overall flavor.
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Crunchy Toppers: Serve with homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits for a satisfying crunch against the smooth soup.
These variations let your creativity shine while making a beloved classic even more inviting!
What to Serve with Tomato Soup?
There’s nothing quite like complementing a bowl of homemade comfort, creating a lovely dining experience for you and your loved ones.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing brings together gooey melted cheese with crispy, buttery bread, perfect for dipping into your soup.
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Garlic Bread: The crunchy, toasty texture adds a delightful bite, while its buttery garlic flavor harmonizes beautifully with the rich tomato base.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad adds brightness with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the warm, hearty soup perfectly.
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Pesto Crostini: The vibrant flavor of basil pesto complements the freshness in your tomato soup, adding an exciting herbal note with every bite.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies, caramelized and slightly sweet, offer a contrast that deepens your meal’s taste and wholesome feel.
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Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy little delights boost the umami factor, providing a savory and crispy element that’s simply irresistible alongside your soup.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine enhances the meal with its crisp acidity, adding a layer of elegance to your dining experience.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with warm cookies, their melt-in-your-mouth goodness creating a nostalgic finish to a cozy meal.
Make Ahead Options
Making this delicious tomato soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes during your busy week! You can chop the fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, blend the soup only when you’re ready to serve. To do so, simply follow the cooking steps, cool the soup completely, and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy your comforting bowl of tomato soup, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and finish by stirring in freshly torn basil just before serving for that vibrant touch.
How to Store and Freeze Tomato Soup
Fridge: Store the tomato soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to retain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tomato soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space for expansion as it freezes!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This will ensure your tomato soup maintains its luscious texture!
Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the soup out for over 2 hours. If it’s been sitting longer, it’s safer to discard it rather than risk foodborne illness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making tomato soup, always use ripe, fresh tomatoes as they provide the best flavor.
- Avoid browning the garlic when sautéing, as this can lead to a bitter taste that overshadows the soup’s natural sweetness.
- For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the tomatoes beforehand to caramelize their sugars and enhance the richness.
- Keep the heat low when simmering after blending to prevent the soup from scorching at the bottom while allowing flavors to develop harmoniously.
Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe tomatoes for my soup?
Absolutely! When selecting tomatoes for your soup, look for firm tomatoes that have a vibrant red color and a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes, as those can affect the flavor. Personally, I love using heirloom varieties for their rich taste!
What’s the best way to store leftover tomato soup?
To keep your homemade tomato soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it. This helps retain its rich flavors and prevents condensation from diluting the soup.
Can I freeze tomato soup? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your tomato soup! Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat on the stovetop.
What should I do if my soup is too acidic?
If you find your tomato soup has an overly acidic taste, not to worry! You can balance it by adding a pinch of sugar, which you might already have in the recipe. Alternatively, try incorporating a bit of cream or a splash of olive oil which can also help smooth out the acidity while adding creaminess.
Are there any allergy considerations for tomato soup?
Very! This tomato soup recipe is generally suitable for many dietary preferences; however, please be cautious if anyone has allergies to garlic or basil. For a dairy-free option, you can omit any cream or use non-dairy substitutes. Always double-check labels when using store-bought ingredients to avoid hidden allergens.
Tomato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and sugar. Let this mixture cook for about 10 minutes.
- Once the tomatoes are softened, season the soup with salt, pepper, and the torn basil leaves.
- Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Return the blended soup to low heat, adjust any seasonings if needed, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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