There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup, especially on a chilly evening. Just the thought of diving into this velvety delight, with its rich flavors and inviting aroma, brings a smile to my face. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy weekend at home, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
With merely 30 minutes from start to finish, this creamy tomato soup is not only quick and easy but also a wonderful alternative to fast food that effortlessly impresses anyone seated at your table. What’s even better? It’s packed with vibrant tomato goodness, enhanced by the sweetness of fresh basil.
When you’re in the mood for a dish that combines simplicity with a touch of elegance, this creamy tomato soup will come to the rescue. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive into the magic of homemade comfort food!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup
- This creamy tomato soup is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 30 minutes from prep to table, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- The rich and velvety flavor will warm you up and make your taste buds dance with delight, leaving everyone wanting more.
- Its versatility allows you to pair it with various sides, from grilled cheese sandwiches to fresh salads, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
- Visually appealing with a gorgeous red hue and fresh basil garnish, this soup not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning in any bowl.
Creamy Tomato Soup Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness of homemade creamy tomato soup!
For the Soup
- Olive oil – adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Onion – use yellow onions for a balanced sweetness.
- Garlic – fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma.
- Crushed tomatoes – the foundation of flavor; opt for high-quality ones.
- Vegetable broth – enhances the taste; use homemade for extra richness.
- Heavy cream – brings a luscious creaminess, making it truly creamy tomato soup.
- Sugar – balances the acidity of tomatoes; a little goes a long way.
- Salt and pepper – season to taste for the perfect finish.
- Fresh basil – garnish for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup
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Heat oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a pot and warm it over medium heat. This initial step sets the stage for a flavorful base.
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Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion and stir until it’s translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Watch for that lovely aroma to fill your kitchen!
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Add garlic: Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. You’ll want to be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant and lightly golden.
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Combine ingredients: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer soup: Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The tomatoes should break down nicely, creating a rich texture.
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Stir in cream: Mix in the 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of sugar. This will give your soup its signature creamy delight; stir until fully combined.
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Season soup: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjusting this seasoning is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors!
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Blend it: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half.
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Serve warm: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy the vibrant color and wonderful aroma!
Optional: Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top for richer flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Creamy Tomato Soup Variations
Feel free to take this creamy tomato soup on a delightful journey with these customizable options!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture that’s also dairy-free.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a warm, spicy finish that delivers the heat.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or oregano while simmering for an aromatic twist that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
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Roasted Veggies: Blend in roasted bell peppers or carrots to add depth and sweetness, creating a vibrant mix of flavors.
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese, like mozzarella or parmesan, right before serving for extra creaminess and flavor.
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Texture Variation: Instead of blending all, reserve some chunks of tomatoes to create a heartier soup filled with satisfying bites.
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Nutty Flavor: Add a tablespoon of almond or cashew butter to the soup for a unique nutty richness that’s utterly inviting.
Imagine each variation adding a little twist to the comforting old favorite, ensuring that every bowl feels refreshingly new!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Tomato Soup
Fridge: Store your creamy tomato soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space for expansion and label it for easy identification!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through; add a splash of broth if needed.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Tomato Soup can be easily made ahead to save you time on those busy evenings! You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-7) up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate in an airtight container. To preserve the rich flavors and prevent any separation, avoid adding the heavy cream until you’re ready to finish. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, just reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stir in the cream, and blend to get that luxurious texture back. This way, you’ll have a bowl of homemade velvety goodness ready in just minutes!
What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Soup?
Cozy up to a warm bowl of velvety soup, and let’s craft the perfect meal to complement it!
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing, melty cheese between crispy bread contrasts beautifully with the soup’s smoothness. The gooey goodness is a childhood favorite that everyone adores.
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Crusty French Bread: The hearty texture of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping, making every spoonful even more satisfying. Enjoy the delightful crunch followed by the luscious soup.
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Simple Arugula Salad: Fresh, peppery arugula, tossed with a light vinaigrette, adds brightness and crunch. This salad cleanses the palate between bites and brightens the overall meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Sweet and savory roasted veggies bring a splash of color and a burst of flavor. The caramelization enhances their natural sweetness, balancing the soup’s richness.
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Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with vegetables and a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. The variety of textures keeps things interesting!
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Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and aromatic, these breadsticks are irresistible when paired with creamy tomato soup. The cheesy layer enhances the experience and adds a delightful twist.
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White Wine Spritzer: A light, bubbly drink like a white wine spritzer offers a refreshing counterpart to the creamy flavor. Perfect for sipping while savoring your comforting meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note! The warm, melty cookies are a nostalgic treat that pair delightful with any meal, especially after a comforting bowl of soup.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best creamy tomato soup, always use high-quality crushed tomatoes as they serve as the foundation of flavor.
- When sautéing the onion, aim for a gentle heat to avoid browning, which can lead to a bitter taste.
- To enhance the soup’s creaminess, add the heavy cream off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Finally, remember to let the soup simmer for the full 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to develop beautifully before blending.
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe tomatoes for this creamy tomato soup?
Absolutely! When selecting tomatoes, look for ones that are deep red in color, firm to the touch, and have a sweet fragrance. A few blemishes are okay, but avoid any with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe or spoiled. If you’re using canned tomatoes, opt for high-quality, San Marzano varieties for the best flavor!
How should I store leftover creamy tomato soup?
Very! Allow your creamy tomato soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to label the container with the date—it’s an easy way to keep track of freshness!
Can I freeze creamy tomato soup, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze your creamy tomato soup, first cool it completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. You can store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth to bring back the right consistency.
What do I do if my soup is too acidic?
No worries! If you find your creamy tomato soup tastes too acidic, you can easily balance it out by adding just a pinch more sugar. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, stir, and taste again until it feels right. You might also consider stirring in a little baking soda (start with 1/4 teaspoon); it can help neutralize acidity, but be careful not to add too much as it can affect flavor.
Is this creamy tomato soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe for creamy tomato soup are naturally gluten-free. However, do check the labels on your vegetable broth or any canned tomatoes you choose, as some products may contain gluten. Enjoy this soup worry-free!
Equipment
- Pot
- Immersion blender
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup Onion use yellow onions for a balanced sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma.
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes opt for high-quality ones.
- 2 cups Vegetable broth use homemade for extra richness.
- 1 cup Heavy cream brings a luscious creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- Salt season to taste.
- Pepper season to taste.
- 1 cup Fresh basil garnish for color and fresh flavor.
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a pot and warm it over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and stir until it's translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir until fully combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
