Creamy Tomato Soup - Comfort Food Classic
Nothing says comfort like a bowl of rich, creamy tomato soup on a chilly day. This homemade version is infinitely better than canned - it’s velvety smooth, perfectly seasoned, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why Make Homemade Tomato Soup?
- Better flavor - Fresh herbs and quality ingredients shine through
- No preservatives - You control exactly what goes in
- Customizable - Adjust seasoning and consistency to your taste
- Cost effective - Much cheaper than restaurant or premium canned versions
What You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
The Simple Method
Step 1: Build the Base Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches.
Step 4: Add Cream and Season Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently - don’t boil after adding cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soup
- Don’t skip the sugar - It balances the acidity of tomatoes
- Blend well - Smooth texture is key to restaurant-quality soup
- Taste and adjust - Every batch of tomatoes is different
- Add cream at the end - This prevents curdling
Make It Your Own
Lighter Version:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Add Greek yogurt for tang and protein
Richer Flavor:
- Roast fresh tomatoes first for deeper flavor
- Add a parmesan rind while simmering
Spice It Up:
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Perfect Pairings
This soup is delicious on its own, but even better with:
- Grilled cheese sandwich - The ultimate comfort combo
- Crusty bread - Perfect for dipping
- Croutons - Add texture and crunch
- Fresh herbs - Basil, chives, or parsley
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months (before adding cream)
- Reheat gently - Don’t boil or the cream may curdle
- Thin with broth if needed after storing
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy - Ready in 30 minutes
- Pantry-friendly - Uses common ingredients
- Kid-approved - Mild, creamy, and delicious
- Meal prep friendly - Makes great leftovers
This creamy tomato soup proves that the best comfort food is often the simplest. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a soup that rivals any restaurant version.
Enjoy your bowl of comfort!
