There’s just something about a warm bowl of tomato soup that wraps you in comfort, isn’t there? This easy tomato soup recipe is like a big hug on a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With simple steps that come together in no time, it’s perfect for busy evenings or when you just want to cozy up with something delicious. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll have a go-to comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Plus, it’s a recipe you can whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! So, let’s dive in and make this delightful bowl of warmth together!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your soup.
- 1 onion, chopped – Chop it finely so it cooks down nicely and sweetens up beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must! It gives that aromatic kick, but be careful not to burn it.
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes – You can use fire-roasted for an extra smoky flavor, if you like! They’re the star of the show.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – This adds richness; homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works just as well!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – A lovely herb that complements the tomatoes wonderfully. You can also use fresh if you have it on hand.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all those yummy flavors!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – This is for those who want an extra creamy, luxurious soup. Totally up to you!
How to Prepare This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Let’s get cooking! This easy tomato soup recipe is all about simple steps that lead to a big bowl of comfort. Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a delicious soup in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, drizzle those 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a pot over medium heat. Heating the oil properly is key because it helps develop those amazing flavors. You want it to shimmer a bit, but not smoke—just a warm, inviting glow!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s soft and translucent. You want it to smell sweet and fragrant—this is where the magic begins! If it starts to brown too quickly, just lower the heat a bit.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now, stir in those minced garlic cloves and let them cook for just 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it because garlic can burn quickly, and we don’t want that! You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant and slightly golden.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Time to make this soup sing! Add in the two cans of diced tomatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir along with that teaspoon of dried basil. Let all those flavors mingle for a moment—it’s like a little party in your pot!
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 20 minutes. This simmering step is crucial because it allows all those lovely flavors to infuse into the soup. Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 6: Blend Until Smooth
Once that simmering time is up, it’s blending time! If you’ve got an immersion blender, great! Just blend right in the pot until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches. Always remember to let the steam escape—safety first!
Step 7: Stir in Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot and, if you’re feeling indulgent, stir in that heavy cream. It adds a rich, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible! But hey, if you prefer to keep it lighter or vegan, just skip this step.
Step 8: Season to Taste
Now, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really personalize it—maybe you like it a bit saltier or a little more peppery. Adjust it until it’s just right for you!
Step 9: Serve Hot
Finally, ladle that beautiful, comforting soup into bowls and enjoy it hot! For a little extra flair, you can top it with fresh basil or some crunchy croutons. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any day!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Comforting Flavors: There’s nothing quite like the warm, rich taste of tomato soup to wrap you in a cozy embrace, especially on chilly days.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this comforting dish without any fuss or complicated shopping list.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste, adding herbs, spices, or toppings to make it your own!
- Vegan-Friendly: It can be made vegan by simply omitting the cream, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for a rainy day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy tomato soup recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips that I swear by!
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the star, opt for good quality canned tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes can add an extra layer of flavor that’s just divine!
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onion and garlic. This step builds the flavor base of your soup, so let them soften and sweeten up nicely!
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer to reduce. For a lighter version, add a bit more broth or water as you blend to reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to play around with herbs! Fresh basil, oregano, or even a pinch of thyme can elevate the flavors even more. Just add them in during the simmering phase.
- Blend in Batches Carefully: If you’re using a traditional blender, blend in small batches and be careful with the hot soup. Always hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to prevent splatters!
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t skip the toppings! A sprinkle of cheese, a swirl of cream, or a handful of crunchy croutons can take your bowl of soup to the next level.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and let the flavors develop overnight for a truly comforting meal.
Variations
One of the best parts about this easy tomato soup recipe is how versatile it is! You can customize it in so many delightful ways to keep things interesting. Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Herb-Infused: Swap out the dried basil for other herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can also be added right before serving for a burst of flavor!
- Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the soup simmers. It gives a nice kick that’ll warm you up from the inside out!
- Roasted Veggies: For added texture and flavor, toss in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Just roast them in the oven before blending them into the soup for a hearty touch.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes!
- Creamy Avocado: For a twist on creaminess, try adding diced avocado when serving. It adds a fresh, buttery flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
- Herbed Croutons: Top your soup with homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs. They add a wonderful crunch and can be made easily with leftover bread.
- Seasoned Lentils: For a heartier version, stir in some cooked lentils or beans for added protein and fiber. They’ll make your soup more filling and nutritious!
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own! Each variation brings a new flavor profile, and you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for this easy tomato soup recipe. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each comforting bowl!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
This soup is not only comforting but also fairly light, making it a great option for a cozy meal any time of year. Enjoy every spoonful while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I make this easy tomato soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, chicken broth works well too! You can also use water, but I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to make up for the flavor you’ll miss.
Can I freeze tomato soup?
Yes! This easy tomato soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find your soup is a bit too thin, you can simmer it a little longer to reduce it, or add a bit of tomato paste to thicken it up. Blending in some cooked potatoes or carrots can also add body if you want a healthier option.
What toppings go well with this tomato soup?
I love topping my soup with fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated cheese! Croutons add a nice crunch, and a drizzle of cream can make it feel extra special. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes!
easy tomato soup recipe: 7 simple steps to comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy tomato soup recipe features simple steps for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Return to heat and stir in cream if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the cream.
- Top with fresh basil or croutons for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: easy tomato soup recipe, simple steps, comfort