Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup is a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s smooth, rich, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tomato soup is a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s packed with deep tomato flavor, complemented by aromatic herbs and a splash of cream for that luscious, velvety texture. It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it as a starter, a side, or the star of your meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil or butter
• onion, chopped
• garlic, minced
• crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• tomato paste
• vegetable or chicken broth
• heavy cream or half-and-half
• salt and black pepper
• sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• fresh basil or thyme (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
6. Stir in the cream and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for heat.
• Herb-Forward: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Roasted: Roast fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions before blending for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work well. Roast them first for deeper flavor before blending.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Use olive oil instead of butter and swap out cream for coconut cream or another plant-based alternative.

Do I need a blender?

Yes, for the creamy texture, a blender or immersion blender is recommended.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. It stores and reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve with creamy tomato soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches, croutons, or a simple salad pair perfectly.

How do I reduce the acidity?

Add a pinch of sugar or a small amount of baking soda to balance the acidity.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just let it cool before transferring to containers.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I thicken the soup?

Simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or add a bit of cream cheese or cooked potato before blending.

Can I add protein?

Definitely. Add shredded chicken, white beans, or tofu for a protein boost.

Conclusion

Creamy tomato soup is a comforting, versatile dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re warming up on a cold day or serving it as a starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress with its rich, creamy flavor and satisfying texture.

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