This Easy Creamy Tomato Soup is perfect for chilly days. With ripe tomatoes, creamy goodness, and fragrant herbs, it’s a warm hug in a bowl!
Feeling fancy? Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one bowl of this deliciousness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing your onions and garlic. If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will work just fine.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re in a hurry, shallots or even leeks can be a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. However, garlic powder can be used in a pinch—just use a little less than the fresh amount indicated.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, but fresh, ripe tomatoes can really elevate the taste! If fresh aren’t available, diced canned tomatoes will do.
Vegetable Broth: Swap with chicken broth if you’re okay with that flavor. For a lighter option, water can work, but it may lack some richness.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can replace heavy cream, though the soup may be less creamy.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
To get that lovely creamy texture in your soup, blending is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Once your soup has simmered and flavors developed, let it cool for just a minute.
- If using an immersion blender, just blend directly in the pot until smooth. If using a countertop blender, carefully fill and blend in batches.
- Remember not to fill the blender too full, as hot liquids can splatter!
After blending, return the soup to medium heat and stir in the cream gently. This will help keep your soup smooth and prevent it from curdling.
Enjoy your soup and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and garnishes!
Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (or 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Croutons, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes approximately 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should be ready to enjoy your soup in about 40 minutes. Efficient and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s nice and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma will be delightful!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add those crushed tomatoes and the vegetable (or chicken) broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
4. Season the Soup:
Add in the sugar (if you’re using it to balance acidity), dried basil, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will bring everything together!
5. Bring to a Boil:
Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
6. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a countertop blender and blend until creamy. Just remember to let the soup cool slightly before blending, to avoid any splatters!
7. Stir in the Cream:
Once blended, return the soup to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through further, but avoid boiling. This step will give your soup that silky smoothness!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. It should be just right!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and garnishing with croutons and fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.
10. Optional Extra Touch:
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little olive oil or a swirl of cream on top before serving for added richness.
Enjoy your warm, creamy tomato soup with fresh bread or a grilled cheese sandwich! It’s the perfect cozy meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 4 cups, chopped. Just ensure they’re ripe for the best flavor. You may want to add a pinch of sugar to help balance the acidity if your tomatoes aren’t very sweet.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut milk, cashew cream, or a store-bought vegan cream. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
