If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavor, this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet delivers a deeply rich tomato taste that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With everyday ingredients that come together to create a luscious, smooth soup, this recipe will quickly become your go-to whenever you want something homemade and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to the magic here. Each one plays an essential role—adding depth, brightness, or creaminess to your soup. From the sweet kick of caramelized onions to the subtle herbaceous notes and the silken finish of heavy cream, these ingredients work harmoniously to delight your taste buds.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the onions.
- Onion: Provides natural sweetness and a flavorful base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings warmth and subtle pungency to the soup.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): The heart of the soup, offering tangy, ripe tomato flavor all year round.
- Vegetable broth: Perfect for building the body and umami of the soup without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Sugar: Balances the tomato acidity for a well-rounded taste.
- Dried basil: Adds sweet, aromatic notes that complement tomatoes beautifully.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that deepens the soup’s savory undertones.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors.
- Heavy cream (optional): Gives the soup a silky texture and rich mouthfeel, perfect for a more indulgent version.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnishing, introducing a fresh pop of color and herbaceousness.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Begin by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent and tender, about five minutes. This step gently builds the flavor base with sweet, caramelized notes that make your soup irresistible.
Step 2: Add and Cook the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one to two minutes. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness and spoil the delicate balance of flavors in your soup.
Step 3: Combine the Tomatoes and Broth
Now pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Turn up the heat and bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes. This slow simmer melds all the herbs, sweetness, and tomato tang into a deeply flavorful harmony.
Step 5: Puree the Soup
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s perfectly smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a blender and puree, then return each batch to the pot. This step transforms chunky tomatoes into that classic silky tomato soup texture.
Step 6: Add Cream for Extra Richness (Optional)
If you love your tomato soup creamy, stir in the heavy cream now. Gently warm through on low heat so the cream melds seamlessly, creating a luscious, velvety finish that feels especially luxurious on cool days.
Step 7: Fine-Tune the Seasonings
Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. This final tweak ensures that every spoonful bursts with balanced, vibrant flavor tailored to your liking.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and scatter fresh basil leaves on top for an inviting pop of green and freshness. You’re now ready to enjoy your heartfelt creation!
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil isn’t just pretty; it introduces a subtle herbaceous brightness that complements the rich tomato base. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil, a swirl of cream, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for a nostalgic combo that everyone loves. Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad also work wonderfully, providing a contrast in texture and making your meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunch surprise. You can even top it with homemade croutons or a dollop of pesto to add an exciting flavor dimension and eye-catching appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen if you let it sit overnight, making reheated soup even tastier!
Freezing
This tomato soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and have comforting homemade soup ready anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can give your soup a bright, fresh flavor, especially when in season. To substitute, roughly chop about 4 cups of ripe tomatoes and simmer a bit longer to ensure they soften fully before blending.
Is there a vegan version of this Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe?
Definitely! Simply skip the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The soup will remain creamy and delicious without dairy.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
Try stirring in cooked rice, small pasta shapes, or beans like cannellini or chickpeas. These additions turn the soup into a hearty meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
How do I make the soup spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering step or a dash of hot sauce when serving can bring a lovely kick. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours before blending and adding cream.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is a true classic that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends and family, this soup brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl of happiness!
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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade tomato soup is a comforting and flavorful classic, made from diced tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream for richness. Perfectly blended to a smooth texture, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and makes a delicious meal or starter.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touch
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, ensuring they soften and develop flavor without browning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn as garlic can become bitter when overcooked.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the cans of diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cream (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream for a richer and creamier texture. Warm the soup gently on low heat until heated through, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling the cream.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for your preferred balance of flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness before serving.
Notes
- The heavy cream is optional; omit for a lighter, dairy-free version or substitute with coconut milk for a vegan alternative.
- For a smoother soup, strain after blending if desired.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more vegetable broth if the soup is too thick.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, using about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and oregano.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
