Tomato Soup Recipe

I absolutely adore this tomato soup recipe because it transforms simple pantry staples into a cozy, comforting bowl of deliciousness that’s like a big warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, the option to add a dash of cream and finish with fresh basil takes it to a whole new level of gourmet goodness without any fuss.

This classic tomato soup is a rich, flavorful, and simple dish to prepare. With the ingredients—olive oil, a large onion, and garlic—that make up the aromatic base, it is hard to believe it doesn’t contain the usual suspects of herbs and spices.

Whole peeled tomatoes provide the sweet and tangy flavor that defines this soup, and their juiciness is complemented beautifully by a kick of red pepper flakes. Nonetheless, this soup is not at all spicy, which further allows the flavors of the tomatoes and the broth to shine through.

An optional swirl of heavy cream makes this a luxuriously comforting dish.

Ingredients

Oil from olives contains healthy fats and adds not only a rich flavor but also a means of sautéing.

Onion: Offers sweetness, loaded with antioxidants and fiber.

Immunity booster, aromatic depth enhancer, and flavor intensifier—that’s garlic!
Optional heat: Red pepper flakes enhance flavor with spice.

Tomatoes, Whole Peeled: They are good for your heart! These are rich in vitamin C and lycopene.

Both are proven to protect cardiovascular health.

Vegetable Broth: Provides depth, is low-calorie, and can enhance or alter flavor.

Sucrose: Counteracts acidity; lends a tinge of sweetness.

Cream: Optional richness, adds creamy texture and flavor.

Basil has a pleasant aroma.

It comes in a fresh form that has a delightful scent, one that permeates the air around it.

Fresh basil offers a unique flavor.

It is much more potent in flavor and scent than its dried counterpart.

Finally, fresh basil can be used as an aromatic garnish that can elevate a dish from one level to another.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a sizable pot, warm the olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in the onions and cook until they are translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the whole peeled tomatoes (along with their juices) and break them up with a spoon as you stir.

4. Add the vegetable broth or water, and bring the combination to a full boil.

5. Lower the heat, and let it simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, stirring from time to time to meld the flavors.

6. Combine the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture to combine and adjust the amount you’re using until you achieve the desired seasoning.

7. Take the pot off the heat and allow the soup to cool a bit. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you lack an immersion blender, use a standard countertop blender. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches.

8. Put the blended soup back into the pot, and set the pot on low heat.

9. Add the heavy cream (if using) and heat through for an additional 5 minutes, making sure not to bring to a boil.

10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your tomato soup!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Can opener
8. Immersion blender or countertop blender
9. Ladle
10. Serving bowls
11. Optional: Garnish knife

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?Certainly, fresh tomatoes can be used. Blanch and peel the tomatoes before using them. You’ll need about 4 to 5 pounds of them to substitute for canned tomatoes.
• Q: How can I make this soup vegan?The heavy cream can be substituted with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut milk, or omitted entirely, and the vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken stock.
• Q: Can I freeze the soup?A: Tomato soup freezes well, yes. It can be stored in containers that are airtight for a period of 3 months without any degrade in quality.
• Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk.
• Q: How do I make the soup smoother?A: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches.
• Q: Can I add other seasonings?Absolutely! Herbs such as thyme or oregano can be added, as well as spices like paprika, to enhance the flavor.
• Q: How long does it take to make this soup?It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to prepare the soup, and that includes the time needed to let it simmer.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute vegetable oil or butter for olive oil.
Big onion: Replace with 2-3 shallots or 2-3 leeks (only the white part).
Garlic: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/4 teaspoon garlic paste can take the place of garlic.
Cayenne pepper: Use a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce instead.
Substitute half-and-half, coconut milk, or milk for a lighter version of heavy cream.

Pro Tips

1. Roasting the Tomatoes For a richer flavor, consider roasting the canned tomatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes before adding them to the pot. This step adds depth and sweetness to the soup.

2. Enhance with Herbs While simmering, add a bay leaf or some fresh thyme sprigs to infuse additional herbal notes into the soup. Remember to remove them before blending.

3. Caramelizing Onions Take a little extra time to slowly caramelize the onions over medium-low heat until they are golden brown. This will provide a deeper, sweeter flavor base for the soup.

4. Adjust Creaminess If you want to make the soup extra creamy without using heavy cream, blend in a couple of tablespoons of soft cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk at the end.

5. Finishing Touch Stir in a touch of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to add brightness and balance the flavors.