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As the cool autumn breeze sweeps through the kitchen, nothing beats the comforting aroma of homemade tomato soup. This easy recipe combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream. It creates a velvety texture that warms the soul.
This tomato soup recipe is quick and satisfying. It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and cooks in 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend lunch or a comforting weeknight dinner, this homemade tomato soup is perfect. It has an impressive 4.99 out of 5 rating from 909 votes, ensuring exceptional flavor every time.
The Perfect Homemade Tomato Soup: An Introduction
One of life’s classic comfort foods is homemade tomato soup. It’s flavorful and simple to whip up. This warm and satisfying dish, made with fresh basil and San Marzano tomatoes, will be on repeat in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe shines because it values quality over quantity. It uses the best tomatoes and herbs for a rich taste. It’s a homemade and healthy choice for a quick meal.
Health Benefits of Tomato Soup
Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a strong antioxidant. This soup uses tomatoes to offer a tasty and healthy meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick meal.
This recipe combines fresh ingredients with quick cooking. It’s perfect for a comforting lunch or a speedy dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Your Tomato Soup Recipe
Making the perfect homemade tomato soup needs the right ingredients. Tomatoes are the main star, while fresh herbs and creamy dairy add flavor. Let’s look at the key ingredients for a standout tomato soup.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes
The base of a great tomato soup is the tomatoes. Choose high-quality canned crushed tomatoes, like San Marzano, for their rich taste. You can also mix fresh tomatoes like heirlooms or cherry tomatoes for a richer flavor.
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
If you want your tomato soup to taste authentic, use fresh basil. To maintain its vibrant flavor, add it last. Thyme and rosemary are two more herbs that can provide depth. Add black pepper and kosher salt according to your liking.
Dairy Components
Heavy cream or half-and-half make the soup creamy and smooth. They balance the tomatoes’ acidity and add richness. For a dairy-free option, try pureed cannellini beans or full-fat coconut milk.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious homemade tomato soup. It will warm your heart and satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
To make a delicious homemade tomato soup, you’ll need some key soup-making tools and kitchen equipment for soup. Make sure you have the following items:
- A non-reactive pot or Dutch oven, preferably made of stainless steel or enamel-coated for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Blend the soup to your preferred consistency using an immersion blender or a standard blender.
- A sharp chef’s knife for efficiently chopping the fresh ingredients, like onions, garlic, and herbs.
- Transmitting precise measurements of ingredients using measuring spoons and cups.
- A wooden spoon for gentle stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- A ladle for easily serving the finished tomato soup.
With these soup-making tools and kitchen equipment for soup ready, you’re set to make a tasty homemade tomato soup.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Non-Reactive Pot or Dutch Oven | Allows for even heat distribution and easy cleanup during soup preparation. |
| Immersion Blender or Regular Blender | Purees the soup to your desired consistency. |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | Efficiently chops fresh ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs. |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the recipe. |
| Wooden Spoon | Gently stirs the soup and scrapes the bottom of the pot to prevent burning. |
| Ladle | Allows for easy serving of the finished tomato soup. |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making homemade tomato soup is simple. Just a few steps and you’ll have a tasty meal in about 30 minutes. Here’s how to make the perfect tomato soup:
Preparing the Base
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 3 medium yellow onions. Chop them until they’re about 3 1/2 cups. Sauté them until they’re golden brown and caramelized, which should take around 8-10 minutes.
Adding Aromatics
Then, mince three large garlic cloves and add them to the stew. Keep stirring for another minute or two more, or until the garlic starts to release its aroma. Doing so lays the groundwork for your tomato soup’s flavor.
Final Seasoning and Blending
Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour in 2 (28-ounce) cans of whole peeled tomatoes, 6 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Simmer the ingredients for around 10 minutes.
Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. Finally, add a touch of cream or grated Parmesan cheese to finish off the dish.
And that’s it! Your homemade tomato soup is now ready to be served and enjoyed. This recipe makes 2 to 3 servings. Each serving has approximately 348 calories, 24.9g of total fat, 14.8g of saturated fat, 61mg of cholesterol, 1485.4mg of sodium, 29.6g of carbohydrates, 4.5g of dietary fiber, 15.4g of total sugars, and 7.8g of protein.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency
Making the perfect creamy tomato soup or smooth tomato soup is about getting the right texture. You might like it silky or chunky. A few tricks can help you get it just right.
For a creamy feel, use an immersion blender or regular blender. Blend until it’s smooth but not too thin. Smooth tomato soup gets velvety by blending longer.
Adding heavy cream or half-and-half makes it creamy. Start with 1-2 tablespoons per batch. Then, adjust to your liking.
If it’s too thin, simmer it longer. This lets some liquid evaporate, making it thicker. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or stock.
The secret to perfect creamy tomato soup or smooth tomato soup is blending well and adjusting the thickness. This way, you get it just how you like it.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that pairs well with many things. From grilled cheese sandwiches to crusty bread, these tomato soup pairings and garnishes for tomato soup make your homemade bowl even better.
Classic Combinations
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a favorite with tomato soup. The creamy soup goes great with the melted, buttery cheese. Serving the soup with crusty bread is also a hit. You can dip the bread or use it to soak up the soup.
For a bit of crunch, add homemade garlic croutons on top. These crispy, seasoned bread cubes add a nice texture and flavor to the smooth soup.
Garnishing Ideas
- Fresh basil leaves, gently torn or chiffonade, add color and a fresh aroma.
- A swirl of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese gives a creamy finish.
- Small cubes of grilled cheese sandwiches add a fun twist.
Pair the tomato soup with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a full meal. The cool greens contrast nicely with the warm soup.
Easy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
With so many tasty options, you can make your tomato soup your own. Whether you stick with classics or try something new, there’s always a way to make it better.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your homemade tomato soup. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your soup fresh and flavorful.
Storing Tomato Soup
Transfer the cooled tomato soup to a container that can be sealed tightly. It will keep for three days in the fridge. Freeze it for extended storage. Be sure to remove any dairy products, such as cream, before freezing.
The shelf life of soup in the freezer is three months. Before reheating, simply let it thaw in the fridge.
Reheating Tomato Soup
To reheat your soup, use the stovetop or microwave. Don’t boil it, as it can change the texture. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge first.
After reheating, add back any cream or dairy you left out. This will make it creamy again. Heat it just until warm, not boiling, to avoid curdling.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 3 months |
| Reheating Method | Gently on the stovetop or in the microwave |
| Avoid Boiling | To prevent separation of ingredients |
By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade tomato soup for days or weeks. It will always taste fresh and flavorful.
Variations and Dietary Modifications
This easy homemade vegetarian tomato soup recipe can be adapted for different diets. Whether you need a vegan tomato soup or a low-carb tomato soup, we’ve got you covered.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
To make a vegetarian tomato soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For a vegan tomato soup, swap heavy cream with oat milk or coconut milk. Also, leave out the Parmesan cheese. The soup will be creamy and rich without dairy.
Low-Carb Adaptations
To make a low-carb tomato soup, cut down on sugar and skip the bread. It’s naturally gluten-free with gluten-free stock. This makes it perfect for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
Customize this homemade tomato soup to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy a delicious, nourishing bowl of soup that fits your lifestyle.
Conclusion
A hearty bowl of this simple homemade tomato soup will warm you up and satisfy your hunger. It only takes thirty minutes to make. To suit your personal taste or dietary restrictions, you can also make adjustments.
You can whip it up in no time at all for a weeknight meal or save it for a big event. You won’t soon be able to live without this tomato soup dish.
The soup’s rich flavor and simple preparation have earned it high praise. It has an average rating of 4.90 stars from 199 reviews. Each serving is packed with nutrients, offering a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
This makes it a nourishing choice for you and your family.
Enjoy this homemade tomato soup in many ways. You can have it on its own or with different sides like cheesy breadsticks, fresh salads, or crispy fries. Its versatility and appeal make it a new favorite in your home.