Oh, tomato soup! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly day? Seriously, I think I could live on the stuff. And this isn’t just *any* tomato soup. This is *The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe*, and trust me, it lives up to the name. It’s got that perfect balance of rich flavor and creamy texture, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make.
I have such strong memories of tomato soup from when I was a kid. My grandma used to make it for me whenever I wasn’t feeling well. One spoonful, and suddenly everything felt a little bit better! This recipe is my attempt to recreate that same magic – that warm, comforting feeling in a bowl. And honestly? I think I’ve nailed it.
What I love most about this recipe is that it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy stuff, no hard-to-find spices. Just simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly special. I’m all about creating recipes that are both delicious *and* accessible, and this one definitely fits the bill. So, get ready to cozy up with a bowl of the best tomato soup you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Okay, so why is this *The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe*? Let me tell you! It’s all about ease and flavor, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again. Here’s the lowdown:
- Super quick to prepare – perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Crazy easy to cook – even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen.
- Seriously delicious taste – like, lick-the-bowl good.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients – no fancy grocery runs needed.
- Vegetarian-friendly – a win for everyone!
- Totally comforting and satisfying – a hug in a bowl, basically.
Quick and Easy The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Seriously, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes. From chopping the onion to slurping down the last spoonful, it’s a breeze. Perfect for those nights when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated meal!
Rich Flavor from Simple Ingredients in The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you – this soup is packed with flavor! The key is letting those aromatics (onion and garlic!) do their thing, and then simmering everything together to let the flavors meld. It’s pure magic, I tell you!
Ingredients for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing tomato soup. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty basic stuff – you probably have most of it already!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing goodness!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – about the size of your fist.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – go for fresh, it makes a difference!
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes – the star of the show!
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred) – keeps it vegetarian, and the low sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for that classic tomato soup flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt – just regular old salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – for extra creaminess. You can totally skip this if you’re watching your waistline (or are dairy-free!).
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish – because presentation matters!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a pot of the most amazing tomato soup before you know it!
Sautéing the Aromatics for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
First, grab a nice big pot – something around 4-quart size should do the trick. Heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it can splatter!), toss in the chopped onion. Cook it until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute – you want it fragrant, but definitely don’t let it burn! Burnt garlic is *not* a good flavor!
Simmering The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe to Perfection
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring the soup to a simmer (that’s when it’s gently bubbling), then reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors really come together, so don’t skip this step! And make sure you stir so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot!
Blending and Finishing The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Remove the pot from the heat. Now, for the fun part: blending! If you have an immersion blender, just stick it right into the pot and blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender, but be super careful – hot soup can explode! Blend in batches, and vent the lid slightly. Once it’s all smooth, stir in the heavy cream (if you’re using it). Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and you’re done!
Tips for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Want an even *thicker* soup? Just simmer it uncovered for a bit longer! The liquid will evaporate, leaving you with a richer, more concentrated flavor. Also, if your tomatoes are a little too acidic (sometimes they are!), add a tiny pinch of sugar. It’ll balance everything out perfectly. Trust me on this one!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Okay, so let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to tweak things to your liking. Got fresh basil on hand? Awesome! Use a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil instead of the dried stuff. It’ll add a brighter, fresher flavor. Also, if you don’t have crushed tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes will totally work – just give ’em a whiz in the blender before adding them to the pot.
Want to make it dairy-free? No problem! Skip the heavy cream, or use coconut milk for a super creamy, vegan version. And if you’re not vegetarian, you can totally swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth – it’ll add a little extra richness. It’s all about making it your own!
Serving Suggestions for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing tomato soup… now what? Well, let me tell you, it’s pretty darn good on its own, but it’s even *better* with the right sides! My absolute favorite? A classic grilled cheese sandwich. I mean, come on, tomato soup and grilled cheese are a match made in heaven! But crusty bread for dipping is also a winner. Oh! And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of parmesan cheese, some crunchy croutons, or even a dollop of sour cream? Yes, please!
Storing and Reheating The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Made a big batch of this amazing tomato soup? Awesome! Leftovers are the best! Just let the soup cool down completely, then pour it into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for another bowl, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or zap it in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe. Don’t be shy – if you have a question that’s not answered here, just leave a comment below!
Can I freeze The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before you pack it up. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen) and stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it straight into a pot on the stove. Easy peasy!
Can I make The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe vegan?
You betcha! Making this tomato soup vegan is super simple. Just skip the heavy cream altogether, or swap it out for something like coconut milk or even cashew cream. Coconut milk will give it a little bit of a tropical flavor (which is actually kinda delicious!), while cashew cream will make it extra rich and decadent. Your call!
Can I use fresh tomatoes in The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe?
Yep, you definitely can! If you’re lucky enough to have some gorgeous, ripe tomatoes on hand, go for it! You’ll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Peeling them can be a bit of a pain, but trust me, it’s worth it. Just score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato, dunk them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip right off! For more information on tomato varieties and how to handle them, check out The Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to growing tomatoes.
Estimated Nutritional Information for The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info, right? Well, here’s a *rough* estimate, but keep in mind that it can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like, different brands of broth, that sort of thing). So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?
Enjoy The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe!
Alright, there you have it! My secret to The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe. Now, go forth and make some soup! And hey, if you try it, I’d *love* to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy slurping! And if you snap a pic, share it on social media – I wanna see your gorgeous creations! For more comforting soup recipes, check out our comfort food section.
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Devour The BEST Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe in 30 Min
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This tomato soup recipe delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients. Make a creamy, comforting soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using).
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a longer time.
- Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
- Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
