Easy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when creamy homemade tomato soup emerges from your kitchen.

Ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs to create magic in a single pot.

Classic recipes often miss the depth of flavor that fresh ingredients can unlock.

Seasonal produce tells a story of rich, vibrant textures waiting to dance on your palate.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen whisper through each carefully stirred spoonful.

Simple ingredients become an extraordinary culinary experience with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Grab a ladle and let this soup transport you to pure deliciousness.

Why Homemade Tomato Soup Is Always A Good Idea

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this homemade tomato soup in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Develop rich, deep tomato flavors through careful sautéing of aromatics and slow simmering, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy soup that tastes like it took all day to prepare.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family dinners, cozy lunch dates, or as a comforting meal during chilly days, this soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese or crusty bread and appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Cooking Method: Flexible preparation allows you to use either an immersion blender or standard blender, making it accessible for home cooks with different kitchen equipment and skill levels.

What You’ll Need For Homemade Tomato Soup

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté aromatics and provides a rich base flavor.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, deep foundation to the soup's taste and provides aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.

• Canned Tomatoes: Provides the primary soup base with rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato essence and adds robust, concentrated tomato character.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates a light, vegetable-based liquid foundation for the soup.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
• Basil, Oregano: Classic herbs that complement tomato dishes with Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall taste.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): Provides a bright, fresh garnish with aromatic herb notes.

Steps To Cook Homemade Tomato Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté the onions until they become soft and translucent, transforming into a golden base of flavor. Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a quick moment, releasing its aromatic essence.

Step 2: Intensify the Tomato Base

Introduce tomato paste to the pot, stirring it lovingly into the softened onions and garlic. Allow the paste to caramelize and deepen, creating a rich foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Symphony

• Canned tomatoes (crushed by hand)
• Vegetable broth
• Sugar
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour everything into the pot, letting the ingredients mingle and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer softly, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop their full potential. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort in a bowl.

Step 5: Transform into Silky Smoothness

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a velvety smooth texture. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches, blending until it reaches a creamy consistency that promises pure comfort.

Step 6: Add Luxurious Creaminess

Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Gently warm the soup, creating a luxurious finish that adds richness and depth to every spoonful.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or a chunk of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Helpful Tips For Smooth Homemade Tomato Soup

• Soften Aromatics Perfectly: Gently cook onions over medium heat until they become translucent and sweet, releasing their natural sugars without browning for a smooth soup base.
• Boost Tomato Depth: Add tomato paste and cook briefly to caramelize, intensifying the rich, concentrated tomato flavor that gives the soup its robust character.
• Blend for Silky Texture: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy, mess-free pureeing, or carefully transfer to a blender in small batches to achieve a ultra-creamy consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative that maintains creaminess.
• Elevate Flavor Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or roasted garlic, or add a splash of red wine for an unexpected depth that transforms the classic tomato soup.

How To Store Homemade Tomato Soup Without Splitting

• Refrigerate your homemade tomato soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the soup to a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Avoid freezing cream-based soups, as the dairy can separate and change texture when thawed.
• If you want to freeze a portion, prepare the soup without cream and add it fresh when reheating.
• Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Always check for any unusual smell or appearance before consuming stored soup.

What Complements Homemade Tomato Soup

• Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a rustic baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and toast until golden brown. The crispy, aromatic bread perfectly complements the smooth, rich tomato soup.
• Match with Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Create a classic combo by making a gooey grilled cheese with sharp cheddar or fontina. The melted cheese and crispy bread provide a delightful contrast to the velvety soup.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. The wine's citrusy notes cut through the soup's creaminess and enhance its tomato flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with fresh basil, parsley, and a light vinaigrette. The herbaceous salad adds a refreshing element to the warm, comforting soup.

Tasty Variations Of Homemade Tomato Soup

• Roasted Red Pepper Remix: Replace some canned tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to the classic tomato soup.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend to transform the soup into a zesty, warmth-packed Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Parmesan Boost: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and a touch of white wine during the simmering stage to create a rich, sophisticated soup with subtle tangy undertones.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and add curry powder, creating an exotic soup with subtle Indian-inspired warmth and creamy texture.

FAQs For Homemade Tomato Soup

• Why use tomato paste in this recipe?

Tomato paste adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps deepen the overall taste of the soup. It brings a robust, slightly caramelized note that enhances the entire dish.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

While fresh tomatoes can work, canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. They’re already peeled and have a concentrated taste that’s perfect for soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! This homemade tomato soup is packed with nutrients from tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, vitamins, and antioxidants. By controlling the ingredients, you’re making a healthier version compared to store-bought soups.

• How can I make the soup vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure you use vegetable broth and skip any non-vegetarian toppings. The cream can be replaced with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream if desired.

Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting homemade tomato soup brings Italian countryside warmth to your kitchen, blending ripe tomatoes with fragrant herbs. Creamy, rich, and packed with nostalgic flavors, you’ll want to savor every spoonful of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (28 ounces / 794 grams) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to bloom for a brief moment, infusing the oil with its pungent essence.
2. Incorporate tomato paste into the aromatic mixture, stirring consistently to caramelize and intensify the deep, rich flavor profile. The paste will darken and develop a more concentrated taste.
3. Carefully add whole canned tomatoes, gently crushing them with a wooden spoon to release their vibrant juices. Pour in vegetable broth, then sprinkle sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a harmonious flavor foundation.
4. Elevate the heat momentarily to trigger a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer. Allow the liquid to bubble softly, melding the ingredients and developing a complex taste landscape for approximately 20 minutes.
5. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, puréeing directly in the pot until achieving a velvety, smooth consistency. Alternatively, transfer the mixture carefully to a standard blender, processing in small batches to ensure a creamy result.
6. Return the silky soup to the pot if using a standard blender. Gently fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious, rich finish. Warm the mixture over low heat, taking care not to boil.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately alongside crusty artisan bread or a crispy grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Slow-cook onions until deeply caramelized for a rich, sweet base that elevates the soup’s flavor complexity.
• Control tomato paste cooking time carefully to prevent burning and develop a deeper, more concentrated tomato essence.
• Crush tomatoes by hand for a rustic texture and more authentic homemade feel compared to machine-processed versions.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to minimize cleanup and prevent potential burns from transferring hot liquid.
• Adjust cream quantity based on desired richness – less for a lighter soup, more for a decadent, velvety experience.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, smoky undertone that complements the fresh tomato flavor.
• Season gradually and taste frequently to build layers of flavor and achieve perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg