Tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s the chilly breeze of winter or a rainy evening, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of steaming, velvety tomato soup to lift your spirits. It’s simple, delicious, and pairs beautifully with everything from crusty bread to a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can tweak it to suit your taste buds, making it a go-to recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Here’s a foolproof recipe for tomato soup that offers all the heartwarming flavors you know and love. Bonus? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create magic in your kitchen:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock (or water for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Croutons or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
This tomato soup is straightforward to prepare and bursting with flavor. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, wash them thoroughly. For a smoother soup, you can remove the skins by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute and transferring them to an ice bath to peel easily. Chop the tomatoes roughly; no need for perfection as they’ll be blended later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Add your fresh or canned tomatoes to the pan, along with the vegetable or chicken stock. Stir in the sugar and basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the tomatoes are soft and the soup is fragrant, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches and blend until creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids.
Step 5 (Optional): Add Creaminess
For an indulgent touch, stir in the heavy cream or milk at this stage. This will elevate the soup’s texture, giving it a silky richness. Heat the soup through for another 2-3 minutes, but avoid boiling if you’ve added dairy.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add a pinch more sugar if it’s too tangy or a sprinkle of pepper for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
Tomato soup shines best when served hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with croutons, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Feeling indulgent? Pair it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo.
Customization Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a swirl of Sriracha for bold heat.
- Herbal Twist: Swap the basil for thyme or oregano for a different depth of flavor.
- Chunky Style: Reserve some chopped tomatoes to stir in after blending for a soup with texture.
- Low-Calorie Option: Skip the cream and use water instead of stock for a lighter version.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This tomato soup is everything you could hope for in a cozy, homemade meal. It’s quick, customizable, and made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prepping. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Go ahead, grab your pot, and craft this soul-soothing bowl of tomato goodness. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
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