There is something so heartwarming and satisfying about a bowl of rich, velvety tomato soup on a cozy day, and this Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe truly hits all the right notes. With its bright, tangy tomato flavor beautifully balanced by smooth creaminess and just the right touch of herbs, this soup is your new go-to comfort food. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet offers a lush texture and fresh taste that will make you proud to serve it anytime you want something soothing yet flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an important role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in this soup. You’ll find that quality basics elevate this dish in an easy, approachable way.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing the aromatics.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (minced): A little punch of savory warmth, aromatic and essential for flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The bold star of the dish, bringing rich tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates that tomato intensity and thickens the soup slightly.
- Vegetable broth: Acts as the flavorful base that keeps the soup silky without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Sugar: Balances out the natural acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Dried basil: Adds an herbal note that’s classic and comforting in tomato dishes.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors you’ve brought together.
- Black pepper: Gives just a mild kick to keep things interesting.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Brings that dreamy creamy texture that makes this recipe a true indulgence.
- Fresh basil or croutons (optional): When added as a garnish, these give wonderful texture and a fresh finish.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding chopped onions and cooking them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and translucent unlocks their sweetness. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook briefly for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial because those softened onions and fragrant garlic form the flavorful foundation of the soup.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to bring in the star ingredients: the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir them into the pot along with the vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. These combined ingredients create a robust and balanced base. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering step allows all the vibrant flavors to mingle and deepen beautifully.
Step 3: Puree the Soup
Once the flavors have developed, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until perfectly smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender and then pour it back into the pot. This step gives the soup that unmistakable silky texture that makes every spoonful so comforting.
Step 4: Finish with Cream
Finally, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the pureed soup, gently heating it for another 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure not to bring it back to a boil once the cream is added, as this keeps the texture luxuriously smooth and prevents curdling. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed—it should be rich, creamy, and bursting with tomato goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil leaves or crunchy croutons as a garnish elevates the presentation and adds delightful texture contrasts. The fresh basil adds a pop of herbaceous freshness, while croutons infuse satisfying crunch that complements the smooth soup perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides; a classic choice is a grilled cheese sandwich whose warm, melted cheese and crunchy bread create a match made in comfort food heaven. For something lighter, a crisp green salad balances the creamy richness of the tomato soup splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy tomato soup recipe in small cups or shot glasses as an appetizer at a dinner party. Another idea is to drizzle a swirl of pesto or balsamic glaze on top before serving to add extra flavor and a beautiful visual element that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy tomato soup will keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Pour cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture retention.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy consistency smooth and luscious. You may want to stir in a splash of cream or broth if the soup thickens up too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream alternative. This will keep the soup creamy and rich, while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can use fresh ripe tomatoes, but you’ll need quite a few and extra time to peel and cook them down until soft. Canned crushed tomatoes are a convenient and flavor-packed shortcut that yields consistent results.
How can I adjust the soup if it’s too acidic?
If your soup tastes a bit too tangy, adding a small pinch more sugar or a splash of cream can help mellow out the acidity and create a more balanced flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator once completely cooled. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers so you can thaw just what you need.
Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?
Yes! In fact, the flavors often deepen if the soup is made a day ahead. Just reheat gently before serving and add fresh garnishes right before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. It’s simple, inexpensive, and delivers big on comfort with every silky, tomato-packed spoonful. I hope you feel inspired to give it a try and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of homemade soup any day of the year!
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Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato soup offers a comforting and velvety texture, blending the rich flavors of ripe crushed tomatoes with aromatic onions and garlic. Finished with a touch of cream and fragrant basil, it is a perfect homemade dish that’s both easy to prepare and heartwarming. Ideal for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, this vegetarian soup can be customized with vegan alternatives for a plant-based twist.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Fresh basil or croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, developing a sweet aroma.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance without burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the soup slightly thicken.
- Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and gently heat the soup through for 2–3 minutes more, ensuring it doesn’t boil to maintain creaminess.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve the warm soup garnished with fresh basil leaves or crunchy croutons if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative.
- Pair this creamy tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic, comforting meal.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
