Catch the aroma of roasted tomatoes mingling with sweet basil as you take a deep breath. Imagine a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup in your hands on a chilly day. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in comfort like your favorite blanket.
Now let me take you back to my childhood kitchen where the air was thick with the scent of simmering tomatoes and garlic. My mom would whip up this creamy tomato soup when the rain tapped against our windows—perfect for dunking grilled cheese sandwiches. I guarantee this recipe will transport you back in time while offering a delightful taste adventure today.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tomato soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect even for beginner cooks
- The rich flavors combine beautifully, creating a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again
- Its vibrant color makes it visually appealing, brightening any table setting
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides or serve as a standalone dish for lunch or dinner
I once made this creamy tomato soup for a gathering, and my friends practically fought over the last spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor; they are the star of this comforting dish.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to bring out its best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide depth; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a balanced taste without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives that luxurious texture; feel free to substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds brightness; it’s like summer in your bowl!
- Sugar: Just a pinch helps balance acidity; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors and round out the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing your tomatoes thoroughly and chopping them into quarters. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic; these aromatic ingredients set the stage for your delicious soup.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—about five minutes—then add minced garlic for another minute.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in your chopped tomatoes along with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook everything down until the tomatoes soften, releasing their juices—this should take about 10 minutes. Enjoy that heavenly aroma!
Pour in Broth: Add vegetable broth to cover those luscious tomatoes entirely. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat and letting it simmer uncovered for around 20 minutes.
Blend Until Smooth: Remove from heat and carefully blend using an immersion blender until silky smooth—watch out for splatters! Alternatively, transfer batches into a countertop blender if you don’t have an immersion one.
Finish with Cream & Basil: Return to low heat; stir in heavy cream or coconut milk until just heated through. Add fresh basil leaves right at the end for that vibrant burst of flavor before serving warm.
This creamy tomato soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches—or even just by itself on those cozy nights!
Enjoy every spoonful!
You Must Know
- This creamy tomato soup is a comforting classic that warms the soul
- Its luscious texture and rich flavor are perfect for chilly nights
- Pair it with grilled cheese for a nostalgic meal that’ll make you feel like a kid again
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to create a flavorful base before adding tomatoes and broth, ensuring everything simmers together beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add fresh basil or a splash of cream for a luxurious twist. You can also swap in roasted red peppers for an extra depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes or quality canned ones
- Blend thoroughly for a silky finish
- Don’t skip the seasoning; salt elevates all those delicious flavors!
The first time I made this creamy tomato soup, my friends thought I had discovered culinary magic. They were amazed that something so delicious could come from such simple ingredients!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will give your soup a vibrant taste, especially when in season.
How can I thicken my creamy tomato soup?
Add a bit of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired thickness easily.
What can I serve with creamy tomato soup?
Grilled cheese is traditional, but crusty bread or salad also makes fantastic companions!
Creamy Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Warm up with this velvety creamy tomato soup, bursting with rich flavors and perfect for cozy evenings. Easy to make and utterly irresistible!
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- Fresh basil
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Wash and quarter the tomatoes, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Add tomatoes: Mix in chopped tomatoes with sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, approximately 10 minutes.
- Pour in broth: Add vegetable broth to cover the tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Blend until smooth: Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender or transfer to a countertop blender until silky.
- Finish with cream & basil: Return to low heat, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk until heated through, and add fresh basil before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For a richer flavor, consider adding roasted red peppers or a splash of balsamic vinegar. Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low.