Tomato Soup Recipe

There’s something wonderfully reassuring about a bowl of Tomato Soup — creamy, tangy, just the right amount of savory, and always ready to wrap you up in comfort. Whether you grew up dipping grilled cheese in it or you’re just discovering how delightful homemade Tomato Soup can be, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and rich flavor. Leaning on pantry staples and a handful of fresh touches, it’s the sort of meal you can whip up on a whim and still impress even your pickiest taste testers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tomato Soup recipe relies on classic, easy-to-find ingredients, each earning its place in the pot. From the silky olive oil to the unmistakable aroma of sweet onions, every ingredient amplifies the depth, texture, and vibrant color that make homemade Tomato Soup so deeply satisfying.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, silky base that melds all the flavors together beautifully.
• Salted sweet cream butter: Lends creaminess and an irresistible layer of richness — a real game-changer for texture.
• Sweet yellow onion: Finely diced and sauteed, these onions bring a gentle sweetness and pleasant aroma.
• Fresh garlic: Minced for bold flavor; it’s essential for a savory depth that keeps every spoonful interesting.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens the soup so you get that perfect, velvety finish.
• Tomato puree: The heart of the soup — rich, deeply tomato-y and the key to that luxurious red color.
• Vegetable broth: Enhances the soup’s flavor and helps achieve just the right consistency without being heavy.
• Tomato paste: A little goes a long way to concentrate the tomato flavor and add wonderful body to the soup.
• Granulated sugar: Just a spoonful neutralizes acidity and brightens the tomato flavor.
• Kosher salt: A must for balancing and bringing forward every note in the soup.
• Dried basil: Adds that unmistakable Italian flair — aromatic and earthy.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Lifts the flavors and adds gentle heat.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but fabulous for a subtle kick and bold finish.
• Bay leaves: Simmered to infuse the soup with a delicate herbal note; don’t forget to fish them out!
• Fresh basil (optional garnish): Thinly sliced on top, this gives a beautiful pop of color and fresh aroma for serving.

How to Make Tomato Soup

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by setting a five to six quart stockpot over medium-high heat and swirling in the olive oil and butter. Let them melt together until they’re shimmering but not brown. Add your finely diced sweet yellow onion and minced garlic, and cook, stirring often, for about five to seven minutes. You’ll know you’re there when your kitchen smells amazing and your onions are soft and translucent — these first steps build the essential flavor that makes every good Tomato Soup sing.

Step 2: Thicken It Up

Next comes the all-purpose flour. Sprinkle it right over your sautéed onions and garlic, then stir constantly for about two minutes. This tiny bit of flour might not seem like much, but it’s the secret to that silky-smooth texture. You’re basically making a roux, which thickens the soup without weighing it down.

Step 3: Add Tomato Goodness

Pour in your tomato puree and vegetable broth, then spoon in the tomato paste. Stir until everything is completely blended, making sure the tomato paste dissolves for a consistently rich flavor. Let those robust tomato flavors come alive!

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Now it’s time to bring depth and complexity. Add the granulated sugar, kosher salt, dried basil, cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and the two bay leaves. Give it a good stir and be sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. As the soup comes to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to medium and let it bubble for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens — the flavors meld together, and the soup thickens to perfection.

Step 5: Blend and Serve

Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves (no one wants to bite into those!). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you love your Tomato Soup rustic, serve as is; for a creamier feel, blend with an immersion blender or, carefully, in a regular blender in small batches. To serve, scatter on some thinly sliced fresh basil for a finishing flourish.

How to Serve Tomato Soup

Garnishes

Nothing takes a bowl of Tomato Soup from cozy kitchen staple to dinner party star quite like fresh garnishes. Sprinkle silky ribbons of basil across the top, drizzle with a swirl of cream, or add a few crunchy croutons for texture. Even a little extra cracked black pepper or finely grated Parmesan can be a revelation.

Side Dishes

Tomato Soup flat-out begs to be paired with a golden, melty grilled cheese. But don’t stop there! Toasted sourdough, herby focaccia, or a simple green salad all make fantastic companions. If you’re feeling bold, serve with a grilled veggie panini or cheesy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation. Serve Tomato Soup in wide mugs for a casual vibe, or in mini glasses as cute appetizers at your next gathering. A swirl of pesto or a dollop of crème fraîche adds drama, while baked puff pastry rounds can transform your bowl into a showstopper. Let your creativity shine — Tomato Soup loves to be dressed up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Soup keeps really well. Let it cool to room temperature, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to four days — in fact, it often tastes even richer and more complex after a night’s rest.

Freezing

If you want to store Tomato Soup beyond a few days, freezing is absolutely your friend. Pour the completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you crave a bowl, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheating Tomato Soup is a breeze. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and steamy. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight and give it a good stir as it warms to regain that creamy, smooth texture. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick lunch fix.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?

Absolutely! Using fresh, ripe tomatoes makes the soup taste extra bright and summery. Just peel, chop, and simmer them a little longer before blending to get that smooth Tomato Soup texture.

How do I make my Tomato Soup extra creamy?

For an ultra-creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk right at the end of cooking. An immersion blender helps achieve that luscious, velvety consistency, too.

Is Tomato Soup gluten-free?

As written, this recipe contains a bit of all-purpose flour, but you can swap it out for a gluten-free flour blend or even cornstarch to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing thickness.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Carrots, red bell peppers, or even roasted garlic add wonderful depth. Just sauté chopped veggies with the onions at the start and continue with the recipe as usual.

What if my soup tastes too acidic?

If your Tomato Soup is too tangy, add another pinch of sugar or stir in a little more butter or cream. These ingredients help mellow out any sharp acidity, giving your soup a beautifully balanced finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a Tomato Soup that delivers comfort, flavor, and pure joy, this recipe is your answer. Give it a try, make it your own, and savor every spoonful — you may never go back to the canned stuff again!

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