The Ultimate Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Your Guide to Making the Best Tomato Soup at Home
Tomato soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort to every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a cozy bowl to warm your soul, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a rich, flavorful soup ready in no time. Let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering dish, including tips and tricks to elevate it to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Versatile Ingredients: Whether you prefer whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes, you can customize it to your liking.
Customizable Flavor: From creamy versions to vegan alternatives, the options are endless.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an economical choice.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients and their roles:
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the soup. Swap it with plant-based butter or olive oil for a vegan option.
Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. No need to finely chop—large wedges work perfectly.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality whole peeled or crushed tomatoes for the best taste. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
Stock or Water: Use low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock for a more robust flavor, or stick with water for simplicity.
Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavors. Adjust to taste as you cook.
Tips for Success
Choosing Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, look for brands with minimal added ingredients for a pure tomato flavor. For fresh tomatoes, opt for ripe, juicy varieties.
Blending Options: An immersion blender is the easiest way to blend the soup directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and follow safety precautions to avoid spills.
Enhancing Flavor: Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a burst of freshness.
Making It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions: Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Variations to Try
Tomato Basil Soup: Toss in a handful of fresh basil leaves before blending for a fragrant twist.
Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes and onions before cooking to bring out a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Vegan Tomato Soup: Replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable stock for a fully plant-based version.
Creamy Tomato Soup: Blend in some heavy cream or cream cheese after cooking for a luxurious texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Health Benefits
Tomato soup is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which is linked to heart health and cancer prevention. This soup is also a good source of vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber. For a lighter version, skip the butter or use a low-fat alternative.
Simple Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled or crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups water, low-sodium vegetable stock, or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add Ingredients: Add the onion wedges, tomatoes with their juices, water or stock, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until you achieve your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, use a countertop blender in small batches, taking care to release steam while blending.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of cream, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy!
