If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a velvety, aromatic soup with just the right balance of sweetness and herbs, made from pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch or a soothing dinner, this recipe promises warmth in every spoonful and a homemade touch that’s truly unbeatable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe so delightful is its simplicity—the ingredients are humble but essential, each adding distinct flavor, richness, and that vibrant red hue. From the fragrant onions to the creamy swirl at the end, every element plays a key role.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base that gently cooks the aromatics and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Medium onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and forms the flavor foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds fragrant pungency that elevates the overall taste.
- Canned diced tomatoes: The star of the show, packed with vibrant tomato flavor and juicy texture.
- Vegetable broth: Enhances depth without overpowering, making the soup more wholesome.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Dried basil: Imparts a slightly sweet, aromatic herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Lends an earthy, peppery undertone that complements the basil.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
- Heavy cream (optional): Adds a luscious creaminess for a richer, silkier experience.
- Fresh basil leaves: Fresh garnish that brightens the final presentation and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the onion
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about five minutes. This step is crucial because it develops a sweet base that melds perfectly with the tomatoes later on.
Step 2: Add the garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until its aroma fills your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; you want that lovely fragrant flavor without bitterness.
Step 3: Combine tomatoes and seasonings
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, then add vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the herbs and spices start mingling with the fresh tomato base.
Step 4: Simmer and blend
Turn up the heat to bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes to let all the flavors blend beautifully. After simmering, carefully puree the soup to a smooth consistency using an immersion blender—or for a velvety texture, blend in batches in a traditional blender.
Step 5: Finish with cream
If you like your soup creamy and indulgent, this is the moment to stir in the heavy cream. Warm the soup gently over low heat until heated through, then taste and adjust seasoning to make it perfectly your own.
Step 6: Ready to serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and elevate it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Now you’re all set to enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade tomato soup.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh basil leaves on top not only looks stunning but adds brightness to the flavors. For a special touch, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, or even a few toasted pine nuts can turn your soup into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
Homemade tomato soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty garlic bread, or even a simple salad. The crunchy textures and cheesy richness complement the smooth, vibrant soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your tomato soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic feel, or layer it with dollops of pesto or sour cream for eye-catching contrast. For parties, consider shot glasses filled with the soup as a fun appetizer. Whichever way you choose, presentation adds enthusiasm to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since flavors deepen over time, often your second helping tastes even better than the first!
Freezing
This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Just leave out the cream until reheating if you prefer to add it fresh later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot and ready to enjoy again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using fresh, ripe tomatoes can give your soup a vibrant, fresh flavor while making it a bit lighter. Just be sure to peel and chop them well, then cook a little longer to break them down properly.
Is it necessary to add sugar?
Tomatoes can be quite acidic, so a small amount of sugar helps balance the tartness. You can adjust the quantity or omit it based on your taste and the natural sweetness of your tomatoes.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to keep the soup creamy without dairy.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! You can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just be cautious with the hot liquid, and blend partially to avoid any mess.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in step 3 when you add the tomatoes and herbs. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the delicate tomato flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any day you want comfort with a fresh, wholesome twist. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it—here’s to many cozy meals ahead!
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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade tomato soup is a comforting and flavorful classic, made from scratch using canned tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream for richness. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finish
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Add Cream: If using, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture. Heat the soup on low until warmed through, but do not boil.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream or plant-based cream.
- You can use fresh tomatoes in season, but canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor year-round.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To enhance flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
