A warm bowl of homemade tomato soup garnished with fresh basil and croutons.

Tomato Soup Recipe: A Comforting and Classic Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of cream, this classic soup is perfect for cold days or whenever you’re craving something warm and soothing. The best part is that it’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, so you can whip it up anytime. Whether you serve it as a starter or enjoy it as a main dish with grilled cheese, this soup will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Smooth and creamy tomato soup served with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients for Tomato Soup Recipe

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped (or canned whole tomatoes)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan option
  • Bread croutons or fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions for Tomato Soup Recipe

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until gentle and translucent. Add the garlic and stir for any other 1-2 mins until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

2. Cook the Tomatoes

Toss the fresh chopped tomatoes (or canned ones) into the pot. Stir well, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, releasing the flavors.

3. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and permit it to simmer lightly for 20-25 mins, giving it an occasional stir. Letting the soup simmer slowly will deepen the flavors and naturally thicken it.

4. Blend the Soup

Once the soup is ready, do away with it from the warmth and depart it to cool barely. Carefully blend the mixture with an immersion blender until it’s silky smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a blender and blend until creamy. Be careful with the hot liquid.

5. Add Cream (Optional)

If using, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup tastes too acidic, a small pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with your favorite side, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread.


Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving
Calories150
Fat7g
Carbohydrates20g
Protein3g
Fiber3g
Vitamin C25% Daily Value

Cooking Tips for Tomato Soup Recipe

  1. Use high-quality tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but if they’re not in season, canned tomatoes work just as well.
  2. Make it vegan: Use coconut milk instead of cream and add plant-based croutons for a vegan version.
  3. Add roasted veggies: Roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic before blending will add depth to the soup’s flavor.
  4. Adjust the thickness: If you decide upon a thicker soup, lessen the amount of broth slightly.

Tomato Soup Recipe: A Comforting and Classic Delight

Course: SoupsCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped (or canned whole tomatoes)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan option

  • Bread croutons or fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

  • Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until gentle and translucent. Add the garlic and stir for any other 1-2 mins until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  • Cook the Tomatoes
    Toss the fresh chopped tomatoes (or canned ones) into the pot. Stir well, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine and let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes, releasing the flavors.
  • Add Broth and Simmer
    Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and permit it to simmer lightly for 20-25 mins, giving it an occasional stir. Letting the soup simmer slowly will deepen the flavors and naturally thicken it.
  • Blend the Soup
    Once the soup is ready, do away with it from the warmth and depart it to cool barely. Carefully blend the mixture with an immersion blender until it’s silky smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a blender and blend until creamy. Be careful with the hot liquid.
  • Add Cream (Optional)
    If using, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk for a silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup tastes too acidic, a small pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
  • Garnish and Serve
    Ladle the soup into bowls and top with croutons, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with your favorite side, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread.

Notes for Tomato Soup Recipe:

  • Use Fresh or Canned Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness, but canned tomatoes work just as well for convenience and deeper flavor.
  • Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add a bit of vegetable broth or water.
  • Storage Tip: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months

FAQs about Tomato Soup Recipe

1. Can I Freeze Tomato Soup?

Yes! This tomato soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop for a fast meal.

2. What Can I Serve with Tomato Soup?

Tomato soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a side salad. You can also add croutons, fresh basil, or Parmesan cheese as toppings.

3. How Do I Make the Soup Creamier?

If you want extra creaminess, add a bit more heavy cream or use full-fat coconut milk. You can also blend in a small boiled potato for a thicker texture.


Why This Tomato Soup Recipe is Healthy

This Tomato Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The olive oil used in the recipe provides healthy fats, while the vegetable broth keeps it light and nourishing. It’s also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet and stay hydrated during cooler months. Plus, with an easy vegan option available, it fits into various dietary preferences.


Smooth and creamy tomato soup served with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches.

Benefits of Making Tomato Soup at Home

Making tomato soup from scratch ensures that you control the ingredients, meaning no unnecessary additives or preservatives. Homemade soup offers fresher, richer flavors compared to store-bought versions. You can also adjust the seasoning, sweetness, and creaminess according to your preferences. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, as most of the ingredients are pantry staples.


Conclusion

This Tomato Soup Recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade soup that beats anything from a can. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an appetizer, or a cozy dinner, this versatile recipe has you covered. Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ll have the perfect comfort meal for any season!