Tomato soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with its rich, velvety texture and vibrant red hue that beckons you to dive in. Each spoonful brings a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your palate and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
I vividly remember the first time I made tomato soup; it was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and my kitchen transformed into a cozy sanctuary. As I stirred the pot, the smell reminded me of childhood memories spent huddled under blankets, watching old movies with my family. It’s the perfect dish for those moments when you want comfort food that feels like home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato soup recipe is as easy as pie, or should I say soup?
- You can whip it up in no time with minimal fuss
- The flavor is so rich and comforting that it rivals even the fanciest restaurant versions
- Its vibrant color will brighten any table setting while offering endless possibilities for toppings and pairings
- Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish is versatile enough to please everyone, including picky eaters!
My friends still rave about how delicious it was the first time I served it at a dinner party—who knew something so simple could impress?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor; garden-fresh ones are often unbeatable.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; don’t skip this vital ingredient!
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring depth; use them generously for maximum flavor impact.
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Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to keep control over saltiness while enhancing flavor.
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Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the soup’s flavor profile; drizzle it generously.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.
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Basil Leaves: Fresh basil gives your soup that aromatic, herbal freshness; add some right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your fresh tomatoes thoroughly. Dice them along with your onion and garlic to get everything ready for cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Toss in your diced tomatoes along with minced garlic. Stir occasionally until tomatoes soften and juices start releasing—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
Pour in Broth : Add your vegetable broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Blend Until Smooth : Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a countertop blender), blend until smooth. If you prefer some texture, pulse just until combined but still chunky!
Season and Serve : Taste your beautiful tomato soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches—your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy this delightful tomato soup on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for a truly comforting meal experience!
You Must Know
- Tomato soup is perfect for cozy nights
- Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for an ultimate comfort food experience
- The aroma of simmering tomatoes fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table for warmth and conversations
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until golden, then add fresh tomatoes and broth. Simmer until flavors meld together for maximum deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add herbs like basil or thyme, or even a splash of cream for richness. Experimenting will make your tomato soup uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance the flavors, roast your tomatoes before adding them to the soup; it deepens their sweetness
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a pinch of salt can elevate everything
- Don’t rush simmering; let those flavors marry beautifully over time
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with my family, laughing over bowls of warm soup that seemed to chase away winter’s chill.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for tomato soup?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are convenient and still provide great flavor in your soup.
How can I make my tomato soup creamier?
Adding a splash of heavy cream or blending part of the soup will make it rich and creamy.
What herbs pair well with tomato soup?
Basil, oregano, and thyme complement tomato soup beautifully, enhancing its natural flavors.
Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. Its rich and velvety texture, paired with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, makes it a cozy staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and dicing the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add diced tomatoes and minced garlic; stir occasionally until softened (about 8-10 minutes).
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
- Season with salt and pepper; garnish with fresh basil before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
