Description
This homemade tomato soup recipe offers a rich, comforting classic made from fresh or canned tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs and blended to velvety perfection. Enhanced optionally with cream, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal or starter.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Optional
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, which forms the flavorful base of your soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Incorporate the fresh or canned tomatoes into the pot. Stir in dried basil, thyme, and sugar. Cook this mixture for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and break down into a saucy texture.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for another 15-20 minutes to develop flavors fully.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup, leaving some pieces whole for added body.
- Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream if you desire a richer, creamier soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the tomato soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Using canned tomatoes can reduce prep time and still deliver great flavor if fresh tomatoes are not in season.
- Adjust sugar according to the tomato’s natural sweetness to balance acidity.
- The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, making it great for meal prep.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
