The Coziest Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty tomato soup that promises warmth and nostalgia.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rich, velvety experience.

Ripe red tomatoes form the heart of this classic dish, offering deep, robust flavors.

Family recipes often carry secret touches that make each version unique.

Smooth textures and aromatic herbs dance across your palate with every spoonful.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor each delicious moment of this soul-satisfying classic.

Why The Ultimate Homemade Tomato Soup Feels So Comforting

• Craft Simple Comfort: Transform ordinary ingredients into a heartwarming soup that hugs your taste buds with rich, homemade goodness.
• Blend with Ease: Create a creamy, smooth texture using an immersion blender, making the cooking process smooth and stress-free without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor: Personalize the soup by adding cream for richness or experimenting with different herbs and seasonings to match your taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, nutritious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying and wholesome dinner option.

What You’ll Need For Homemade Tomato Soup

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the core flavor and texture of the soup.
• Onions: Sweet and savory base that adds depth to the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and creates a smooth cooking base.
• Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth: Adds liquid volume and enriches the soup's overall taste.
• Water: Helps achieve desired soup consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavor.
• Dried Basil: Herb that contributes a classic Mediterranean flavor note.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetener that balances the tomatoes' natural acidity.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a velvety smooth texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright garnish that provides a fresh aromatic finish.

Easy Steps To Make Homemade Tomato Soup

Step 1: Prep The Veggie Base

Grab your cutting board and sharpen your knife. Finely chop onions into tiny pieces and mince garlic until it’s almost paste-like. The goal is creating a flavor-packed foundation that will make your soup sing with deliciousness.

Step 2: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Select a large pot and pour in olive oil. Crank the heat to medium and let the oil start dancing and releasing its warm, inviting aroma.

Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the heated oil. Stir them around until they turn soft and slightly see-through, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Welcome The Tomatoes

Dump chopped tomatoes into the pot. Stir everything together so the tomatoes get cozy with the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Profile

• Vegetable broth
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried basil
• Sugar

Mix everything thoroughly so all ingredients become best friends.

Step 6: Simmer And Develop Depth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the ingredients will chat and develop a rich, complex flavor.

Step 7: Transform The Texture

Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer to a standard blender in small batches.

Step 8: Optional Creamy Upgrade

For extra indulgence, swirl in heavy cream. This will make your soup luxuriously rich and velvety.

Step 9: Perfect The Seasoning

Take a tiny taste. Adjust salt and pepper until the flavor makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Step 10: Serve With Flair

Ladle the soup into beautiful bowls. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and an aromatic finishing touch.

Top Tips For The Ultimate Homemade Tomato Soup

• Blend with Precision: Use an immersion blender for smooth, lump-free soup texture without transferring hot liquid between containers.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine near the end of cooking to enhance the tomato's natural sweetness.
• Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist.
• Herb Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of dried basil to elevate the soup's aromatic profile.
• Texture Play: Include a handful of roasted red peppers during blending for a deeper, smoky undertone and extra complexity.

Tasty Twists On Homemade Tomato Soup

• Roasted Vegetable Tomato Soup: Enhance the recipe by roasting bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots before adding them to the soup, intensifying the vegetable depth and creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Tomato Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during cooking, then top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Tomato Soup: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano for a Greek-style variation, finishing with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.

Perfect Pairings For Homemade Tomato Soup

• Crisp Grilled Cheese Companion: Slice a classic white bread grilled cheese with sharp cheddar, toasting it golden brown to perfectly complement the tomato soup's rich, tangy flavor.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that balances the soup's acidity and cuts through its creamy texture without overwhelming the delicate tomato notes.
• Herbaceous Crouton Crunch: Create homemade croutons with day-old bread, tossed in olive oil, dried basil, and garlic powder, then baked until crispy to add textural contrast and enhance the soup's herbal undertones.

How To Store Homemade Tomato Soup For Later

• Store cooled tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months, removing heavy cream before freezing to prevent separation.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
• If possible, keep cream separate and add it fresh when reheating to preserve the soup's optimal texture and prevent potential curdling during storage and reheating.

Homemade Tomato Soup FAQs Answered Clearly

• What type of tomatoes work best for this soup?

Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal because they have fewer seeds, richer flavor, and create a smoother consistency compared to other tomato varieties.

• Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a standard blender. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in small batches to prevent spillage and ensure safety.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version that still provides creaminess and adds nutritional value.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, when using vegetable broth, the recipe is completely vegetarian. If you use chicken broth, it would be non-vegetarian.

Purée Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy homemade tomato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending ripe summer tomatoes with aromatic herbs. Smooth velvet texture and rich flavor invite warm spoonfuls that comfort and delight you.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups tomatoes, fresh or canned
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Liquid and Broth:

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup water

Seasoning and Extras:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Dice onions and mince garlic, preparing ingredients for a flavor-packed soup foundation.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer and become fragrant.
3. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour chopped tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine with the aromatic onion and garlic mixture.
5. Add vegetable or chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and sugar, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and tomatoes to break down.
7. Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
8. Optional: Stir in heavy cream for a richer, velvety texture and enhanced flavor profile.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
10. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Select ripe, juicy tomatoes for the most intense, natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Roast tomatoes beforehand to intensify their caramelized, concentrated taste and add a smoky undertone.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Balance acidity by adding a pinch of baking soda during cooking to neutralize tomatoes’ sharp edge and create a smoother taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg