There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade soup, especially on those chilly days when you just want to cozy up with a bowl of goodness. My *easy tomato soup recipe* is my go-to for those moments! It’s simple, quick to whip up, and bursting with flavor. I remember one particularly brisk evening when I came home from work, feeling the chill in my bones. I threw this soup together in no time, and as it simmered on the stove, the rich aroma filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting bowl of tomato soup. I keep it simple, so you can easily grab these ingredients from your pantry or local grocery store!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste—more garlic if you love that savory punch, or even a bit less cream if you prefer a lighter soup. It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the easy step-by-step process of making this delightful tomato soup. Trust me, it’s as straightforward as it gets, and the end result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm before adding your veggies.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, stir in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This should take just a few minutes.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
- After simmering, it’s time to blend the soup until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer it to a regular blender in batches. Just be careful—hot soup can splatter!
- Once blended, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This gives the soup that rich, creamy texture we all love!
- Finally, serve hot, and enjoy every spoonful of your homemade tomato soup!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delicious tomato soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
This tomato soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a rich and comforting taste that warms the soul.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with tomatoes and herbs, it’s a nutritious option that’s low in calories and high in vitamins.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies, spices, or even some protein for a heartier meal.
- Kid-Friendly: With its smooth texture and familiar flavors, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—just reheat and serve!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *easy tomato soup recipe* turns out perfectly every time! A little attention to detail can make a big difference, so let’s dive in!
- Use Quality Tomatoes: The flavor of your soup heavily relies on the tomatoes, so opt for good-quality canned tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes can add a lovely smokiness!
- Adjust the Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream for a vegan option. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little kick? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the tomatoes, or blend in some fresh jalapeños for a spicy twist!
- Fresh Herbs: While dried basil works wonders, fresh basil or even parsley can elevate the flavor even more. Toss in some just before serving for a burst of freshness!
- Texture Matters: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest unblended. It adds a nice contrast!
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving! You may want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a stunning bowl of tomato soup that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Variations
One of the best things about my *easy tomato soup recipe* is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting or to match what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Instead of dried basil, try fresh thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of rosemary for a unique flavor twist.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach while sautéing the onion and garlic. They’ll add nutrition and a pop of color to your soup!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions. For a smoky flavor, a dash of smoked paprika works wonders too!
- Creamy Alternatives: Swap the heavy cream for a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy finish. You can even use cashew cream for a vegan option that’s just as rich!
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella at the end for a deliciously cheesy version. It adds a lovely depth of flavor!
- Roasted Tomato Soup: For an extra layer of flavor, roast fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion in the oven before blending them into the soup. It gives a delightful caramelized taste!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your cravings or what’s in your fridge. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious tomato soup, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can savor that comforting taste again later!
First things first, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Once that’s done, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’s super important to seal it well to keep the flavors locked in and to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.
You can store your tomato soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. The microwave is quick and easy—just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If you prefer the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up a bit if it’s thickened in the fridge.
And voilà! You’re all set to enjoy your homemade tomato soup again. It’s just as comforting the second time around!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *easy tomato soup recipe* actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you can enjoy it whenever you want!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the vegetable broth to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free if you have a strict dietary need.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Definitely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them. Just chop them up and add about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to the pot. You may need to let them cook a bit longer to break down.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find your soup is thinner than you’d like, you can blend in some cooked potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and let it simmer for a few more minutes. It’ll thicken right up!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Blend before serving for that smooth texture!
easy tomato soup recipe: 7 simple steps to comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick recipe for delicious tomato soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit heavy cream or use coconut cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy tomato soup recipe
