Tomato soup is one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weekday lunch, this simple yet flavorful dish always hits the spot. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a touch of herbs, tomato soup brings together freshness and heartiness in every spoonful. It’s a timeless recipe loved by people of all ages, often paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy meal.
Let me show you how to make this classic soup from scratch—easy, quick, and bursting with flavor.
Quick Facts
A quick look at what this recipe offers:
| Course | Soup |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American / Continental |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Calories | 150 per serving |
Equipment Needed
To make a creamy, flavorful tomato soup at home, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s a complete list to ensure smooth cooking:
- Large pot or saucepan – To sauté and simmer the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – To stir the soup while cooking.
- Blender (immersion or countertop) – To puree the soup until smooth. A regular blender works, but an immersion blender is more convenient.
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional) – For extra-smooth texture, especially if you want to remove tomato skins or seeds.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your ingredients accurate.
- Soup ladle – To serve the soup neatly into bowls.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy tomato soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 large ripe tomatoes (or 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make the perfect tomato soup at home:
- Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. - Add tomatoes and seasonings
Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned), tomato paste, salt, pepper, sugar, and basil. Let it cook for 10 minutes to release flavors. - Pour in broth
Add vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until everything is tender. - Blend the soup
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth. - Add cream (optional)
For a creamy finish, stir in milk or cream. Warm through for 2–3 minutes, but do not boil. - Serve hot
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or a swirl of cream, and enjoy!
Essential Note:
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch them first. Just score an X at the bottom, drop them into boiling water for 30 seconds, and then transfer to ice water. The skins will peel right off. This gives your soup a silky finish and removes any bitterness from the skin.
