Easy Tomato Soup

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Easy Tomato Soup on a chilly day. I remember the first time I tried making it from scratch; I was looking for a simple, heartwarming dish that reminded me of my childhood. My mom used to whip up a big pot of tomato soup when it rained, filling the house with a savory aroma that wrapped around you like a cozy blanket. As I stood in my kitchen, chopping fresh ingredients, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and fresh basil brought my childhood memories to life. This Easy Tomato Soup recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl.

Key Ingredients for Easy Tomato Soup

The ingredients in this Easy Tomato Soup are simple yet powerful. Each plays a crucial role in building a depth of flavor that elevates the dish far beyond its humble roots. The star of the show, tomatoes, bring a natural sweetness and acidity, while fresh basil adds a fragrant herbaceousness that brightens each spoonful. Together, they create a harmony that comforts and delights.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds a rich, creamy base to the soup, providing a luscious mouthfeel.
• 2 yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped): Onions bring sweetness and depth of flavor as they caramelize during cooking.
• 3 garlic cloves (1 tablespoon minced): Garlic contributes a fragrant note that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two, 28-oz cans) with their juice, preferably San Marzano: The main ingredient that gives the soup its signature flavor and vibrant color.
• 2 cups chicken stock: This adds a savory depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more to serve: Fresh basil adds a pop of freshness and aroma, making the soup feel alive.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness that elevates the soup.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: This adds richness and smoothness, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus more to serve: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor.

How to Prepare Easy Tomato Soup

Making the Easy Tomato Soup is a straightforward process that’s as rewarding as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready to enjoy in no time. Just remember to pay attention to the colors and aromas as you cook, as they can guide you to the perfect soup.

1. Start by heating a nonreactive pot or an enameled Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to bubble slightly. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add the chopped onions to the pot. Stir them well and let them sauté for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become softened and golden brown, which will bring out their natural sweetness.
3. Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the mix. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn. This step is crucial for layering flavors in your soup.
4. Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken stock. Add in the chopped basil, sugar, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. You’ll see the colors come alive!
5. Lower the heat and partially cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for about ten minutes. This allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together.
6. If you prefer a chunky soup, you can skip this step. However, if you enjoy a smooth, creamy consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until you achieve your desired texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but be mindful of the hot liquid!
7. Return the blended soup to the pot over medium heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Allow it to come back to a simmer, which will meld all the flavors perfectly.
8. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed. Remember that the parmesan already adds some saltiness, so adjust based on your preference.
9. Once everything is well combined and heated through, turn off the heat. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish with additional parmesan and chopped fresh basil for that final touch.

Make It Your Own

One of the beauties of the Easy Tomato Soup is its flexibility. Tailoring it to fit your taste or dietary preferences is simple. Here are some creative tips to consider.

• Storage: Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion out the soup in freezer-safe containers, allowing it to cool completely before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Serve this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal. It also pairs well with a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños while the soup simmers.
• Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano in place of basil for a different flavor profile.

What to Serve Alongside Easy Tomato Soup

Pairing your Easy Tomato Soup with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ideas:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing that never fails! The melty cheese and crispy bread complement the soup perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up those flavors.
• Garden Salad: A fresh salad can add a nice crunch and balance to the meal, with a light vinaigrette providing a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
• Seasonal Options: In the fall, you might add a side of pumpkin bread or in the summer, a light cucumber salad pairs nicely.
• Appetizer: Start the meal off with a light appetizer like bruschetta or a charcuterie board to set the stage.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Tomato Soup is a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings warmth and happiness to any dining table. It’s not only delicious but also simple enough for anyone to prepare. I invite you to try making this soup for yourself; it might just become a new family favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the wonderful memories that come with each bowl.

Easy Tomato Soup

The ultimate comfort food, this Easy Tomato Soup is creamy, rich, and incredibly easy to make. With fresh tomatoes and basil, it's the perfect weeknight dinner that's sure to warm your heart. Make it tonight for a cozy meal!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (1 tablespoon minced)
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two, 28-oz cans) with their juice, preferably San Marzano
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil plus more to serve
• 1 tablespoon sugar or added to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or to taste to combat acidity
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more to serve

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Blender
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Heat a nonreactive pot or enameled dutch oven over medium heat. Add butter then add chopped onions. Sauté for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, chopped basil, sugar (or add sugar to taste), and black pepper. Stir together and bring to a boil then reduce heat, partially cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. You can leave your soup with a chunky consistency, but if you like a blended/creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup in the pot to the desired consistency or transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth (being careful not to over-fill the blender with hot liquid and pulse a few times initially to get it started), then return blended soup to the pot over medium heat.
5. Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed and turn off the heat.
6. Ladle into warm bowls and top with more parmesan and chopped fresh basil.

Notes

• Some crushed tomatoes can seem tangier: If the soup seems too acidic or sour, you can add more heavy cream and sugar to taste.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.