Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
There’s just something magical about the comforting aroma and vivid, velvety texture of Homemade Tomato Soup as it gently simmers on the stove. This is the dish I reach for when the weather turns cool or nostalgia hits hard; every spoonful manages to be both luxuriously creamy and bright with tomato goodness. Whether you serve it as a simple lunch or alongside a golden, crisp grilled cheese for dinner, Homemade Tomato Soup is truly the definition of cozy. Today I’m sharing my go-to recipe for flawless results: robust, naturally sweet, and promising comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how a few everyday ingredients can truly shine in this classic recipe! Each item here has a job to do—bringing deep flavor, silky body, or a pop of delicious color. With the right balance, you’ll turn simple pantry staples into a soup that tastes like pure homemade love.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Lends a subtle richness and helps soften the base flavors.
- Medium onion, diced (1): Creates natural sweetness and aroma to form the foundation of the soup.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings warmth and depth, making every spoonful a little more special.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely, concentrated tang.
- Whole peeled tomatoes, with juice (1 can, 28 oz): The heart of your Homemade Tomato Soup, lending bright acidity and mellow sweetness.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups): Boosts flavor and gives the soup its perfect sippable consistency.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch smooths out acidity if your tomatoes taste extra tangy.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle, comforting herbal notes reminiscent of summer.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Provides classic Italian earthiness that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- Smoked paprika (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A gentle, smoky warmth takes your soup to the next level—try it at least once!
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and tying every flavor together.
- Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup, optional): For days when you want your soup extra creamy and indulgent.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Bright green, peppery accents make every bowl pop with color and freshness.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by pouring the olive oil into a large pot and heating it over medium. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced onion and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir regularly until the onions are softened and fragrant—they’ll begin to look translucent and this is where the magic starts. Now add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute. The tomato paste will darken slightly and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the can of whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to break them up right in the pot—no need to get fancy! Then add the vegetable broth, sugar if you’re using it, plus the basil, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. All those spices will infuse the soup as it simmers, creating the layers of flavor we crave in a real Homemade Tomato Soup.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavors
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat so the soup simmers away uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This is when the tomatoes break down and all the ingredients meld together beautifully. Stir every so often and breathe in—that vibrant, savory scent means good things are coming.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
For that signature creamy texture, use an immersion blender right in the pot to whirl the soup until smooth. Prefer a super silky texture? Carefully ladle the soup into a blender and process in batches. Just be mindful with hot liquids! Once everything’s blended, return it to the pot so you’re ready for the finishing touches.
Step 5: Add Cream and Finish
Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream, if you’re going for that dreamy richness. This step is optional, but it’s my secret for an ultra-luxurious Homemade Tomato Soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings if you want a little more salt, pepper, or herbs. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with fresh basil for a burst of color and lively aroma.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about good looks—it’s a way to add flavor and charm to your soup. Fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream or coconut milk, even crisp croutons or a sprinkle of cracked pepper, all elevate every bowl of Homemade Tomato Soup. Set out a variety and let everyone top their own.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats the classic combo: pair your soup with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich and you’ll be in comfort food heaven. You could also serve alongside crusty bread, cheesy toast, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Homemade Tomato Soup is endlessly versatile, so make it a meal with whatever you love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving your Homemade Tomato Soup in wide mugs instead of bowls—perfect for cozy lunches. If you’re entertaining, use shot glasses for mini soup shooters as an appetizer, or float tiny grilled cheese croutons on top for a super fun twist. Let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Tomato Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Pour cooled soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making leftovers an unexpectedly decadent treat the next day.
Freezing
This soup is tailor-made for batch cooking. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay them flat to save space, label, and stash away for up to three months. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a quick, homemade meal.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth and creamy. If the soup has thickened, swirl in a splash of broth or water to bring back the perfect consistency. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roasted fresh tomatoes add wonderful flavor, especially when they’re at peak ripeness. Use about 2 pounds, core and roughly chop, then roast them with olive oil and a pinch of salt before adding to the soup base.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
Yes! Just stick with coconut milk for creaminess (or skip it for a lighter version) and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. The result is a fully vegan Homemade Tomato Soup that’s every bit as delicious as the original.
Do I need to strain the soup to make it ultra-smooth?
If you love a super silky texture, feel free to push the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve. Most of the time an immersion or countertop blender will make it smooth enough, but this step is a bonus for that restaurant-style finish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The smoked paprika brings a hint of warmth, but it’s quite mild overall. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up!
What’s the best way to get that deep tomato flavor?
Sautéing the tomato paste and choosing good quality whole peeled tomatoes make a huge difference. Simmering the soup uncovered intensifies the flavors, turning simple ingredients into an unforgettable Homemade Tomato Soup.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to gather these simple pantry ingredients and treat yourself to a pot of Homemade Tomato Soup soon. Cozy, classic, and endlessly customizable, this soup is more than a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy something truly comforting. Let me know how you make it your own!
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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Homemade Tomato Soup, a classic favorite that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. This creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Soup:
- 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook until fragrant.
- Cook Soup: Add tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Blend: Use immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Return to pot.
- Finish: Stir in coconut milk or cream. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with basil.
Notes
- Pairs perfectly with a classic grilled cheese sandwich!
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
