Classic Tomato Soup Recipe

Cozy Classic Tomato Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Bowl of Comfort

Comfort arrives in a steaming classic tomato soup that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, capturing summer’s ripest harvest.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, deep tomato essence.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of cream elevate the soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Classic Tomato Soup With Rich and Tangy Flavor

  • Quick Comfort Meal: This classic tomato soup delivers warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for soothing any mood or craving.
  • Adaptable Dietary Delight: Easily transforms into a vegan-friendly dish with simple ingredient swaps, making it accessible for different dietary needs.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Can be prepared ahead and frozen, allowing busy home cooks to have a delicious meal ready at a moment's notice.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Simple ingredients and familiar taste make this soup a crowd-pleaser for all ages, from kids to grandparents.

Ingredients in This Classic Tomato Soup

For the Base:
  • Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes form the heart of this classic soup, providing rich and vibrant flavor.
  • Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid foundation to create a smooth, comforting soup.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients build a robust flavor base and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
  • Fresh Basil, Thyme: Herbs that bring a fresh, aromatic dimension to the classic tomato soup.
For the Creamy Elements:
  • Creme Fraiche or Coconut Cream: Provides a luxurious, silky texture and adds a subtle richness to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety finish that softens the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Classic Tomato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Grab ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, garlic cloves, olive oil, vegetable or chicken broth, fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Gather a sharp knife, cutting board, large pot, and blender for this delicious cooking adventure.

Step 2: Chop and Sauté Aromatics

Peel and dice the onions into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, stirring gently until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Roast Tomatoes to Perfection

Roughly chop fresh tomatoes into chunky pieces. Add them to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and caramelize, intensifying their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in your chosen broth, creating a rich liquid base.

Add:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Blend into Silky Smoothness

Remove the pot from heat.

Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a standard blender. Blend until the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Be cautious of hot liquid splashing.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of creme fraiche. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.

Vegan Variation: Use vegetable broth and replace dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Refresh the flavors with fresh herbs when reheating.

Tips That Make Classic Tomato Soup Better

  • Roast tomatoes before blending to intensify their natural sweetness and add a rich, caramelized undertone to the soup.
  • Use an immersion blender for ultra-creamy consistency, ensuring no lumps remain in the soup.
  • Stir in fresh basil or thyme at the end of cooking to brighten the overall flavor profile and add a fresh aromatic touch.
  • Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a luxurious, creamy texture.
  • Refrigerate soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop even more depth.

Flavor Twists to Try on Classic Tomato Soup

  • Spicy Tomato Fusion: Add roasted jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, warming soup.
  • Mediterranean Herb Splash: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to give the soup a vibrant Mediterranean character with tangy undertones.
  • Creamy Roasted Vegetable Edition: Blend in roasted red peppers and caramelized onions for a deeper, smokier flavor profile that enhances the tomato's natural sweetness.
  • Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Stir in cooked quinoa or white beans to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial, filling meal that satisfies hunger longer.

Great Sides to Enjoy With Tomato Soup

  • Elevate Soup's Flavor Profile: Pair this classic tomato soup with a crisp grilled cheese sandwich featuring sharp cheddar for a perfect comfort food combination.
  • Complement Soup's Richness: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's creamy texture and enhance its tomato brightness.
  • Match Herbaceous Notes: Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves and serve alongside a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to highlight the soup's fresh herbal undertones.
  • Boost Protein Intake: Add a side of roasted garlic parmesan croutons or a small portion of shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the soup into a more substantial meal.

How to Store Tomato Soup Safely and Fresh

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 3 months.

Move frozen soup to refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen state to maintain texture.

Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh cream or herbs after reheating to restore original flavor and brightness. Discard if soup develops off smell or appears separated.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup without dairy?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and replace creme fraiche with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan version.

  • What type of tomatoes work best?

Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a rich, concentrated flavor that makes the soup taste more robust.

  • Is homemade tomato soup healthier than canned?

Absolutely! Homemade soup lets you control sodium, avoid preservatives, and use fresh, high-quality ingredients for a more nutritious meal.

  • How can I enhance the soup's flavor?

Try roasting tomatoes before blending, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, or garnishing with fresh basil to boost the taste profile.

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Classic Tomato Soup Recipe

Classic Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting classic tomato soup brings Italian sunshine to your kitchen with rich, velvety flavors that dance between sweet and tangy. Creamy textures and aromatic herbs make this simple soup a hearty companion you’ll savor with crusty bread and pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 28 ounces (794 grams) whole canned tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large white onion, chopped

Soup Base Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) caster sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons (12 grams) fresh chives & dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) creme fraiche

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large pot over medium heat, creating a warm cooking environment for your soup preparation.
  2. Gently sauté chopped onions until translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic flavors without browning.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant notes to infuse into the base.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, creating a rich liquid foundation for the soup.
  5. Incorporate dried herbs like basil and oregano, stirring to distribute their savory essence throughout the mixture.
  6. Simmer the soup uncovered for 20-25 minutes at a gentle bubbling temperature, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, transforming it into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
  9. For a luxurious finish, stir in heavy cream or creme fraiche, creating a silky texture and rich flavor profile.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a dollop of cream before serving hot.
  11. For a vegan adaptation, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth as the base liquid.
  12. Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Swap dairy ingredients easily by using plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for a completely vegan soup experience.
  • Freezing works wonderfully, but add fresh herbs and cream after thawing to maintain the soup’s vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
  • Enhance the soup’s depth by roasting tomatoes before blending, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a smoky undertone.
  • Control the soup’s consistency by adjusting the amount of broth – less liquid creates a thicker, more concentrated soup perfect for dipping crusty bread.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 151
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 469 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 12 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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