Frozen Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup has been a comfort food staple for centuries, loved for its simplicity and versatility. But while the classic warm bowl of tomato soup is always a crowd-pleaser, have you ever thought about taking it to the next level with a frozen version? Freezing tomato soup is not only a great way to preserve the vibrant flavors of summer tomatoes, but it also offers a quick, easy, and convenient meal option on busy days. Imagine being able to take a scoop of your homemade soup from the freezer, heat it up, and enjoy it in minutes. Let’s dive deep into the world of frozen tomato soup!

In this guide, we’ll explore how to make frozen tomato soup, including a detailed recipe, ingredient insights, tips for perfecting your soup, and even some creative variations to try. So, if you’re ready to take your tomato soup game to the next level, keep reading!

Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe to create a frozen tomato soup that’s bursting with freshness and rich in flavor. This recipe highlights the best ways to bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes, balanced with savory herbs and spices. Plus, you can easily make a big batch and store it for later!

Ingredients Needed

Fresh tomatoes: 4 cups (roughly 6-8 medium tomatoes, ripe and juicy)
Yellow onion: 1 medium, chopped
Carrot: 1 large, peeled and chopped
Celery: 1 stalk, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth: 4 cups (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
Salt & pepper: To taste
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (for added richness, optional)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing and chopping the tomatoes, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Make sure the tomatoes are ripe, as this will add the natural sweetness to the soup.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes and tomato paste: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Let them cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the sugar if you like a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Blend the soup: Once the soup has cooled slightly, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth.
Finish with cream: If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now for a creamy, velvety texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cool and freeze: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers or Ziploc bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze flat for easy storage.

Ingredient Insights

The beauty of frozen tomato soup lies in the freshness of its ingredients and the depth of flavor you can develop. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients in this recipe and what they bring to the table:

Tomatoes: The heart and soul of this soup. Ripe, in-season tomatoes will yield the most flavor. You can use fresh, juicy tomatoes or, in the off-season, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes. Tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and acidity that gives the soup its tangy base.
Onions, Carrots, and Celery (Mirepoix): These aromatic vegetables form the base of most savory soups. The sweetness from the onions and carrots, combined with the subtle earthy flavor of celery, helps build a rich foundation for the soup.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth. Garlic infuses the soup with a comforting, savory flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor is crucial for a rich and thick soup. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a silky texture.
Herbs (Basil & Oregano): These herbs lend classic Italian flavors to the soup, enhancing the savory, herby notes without overpowering the tomatoes.
Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid base of the soup. You can choose between vegetable or chicken broth depending on your dietary preferences and the depth of flavor you want.
Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious, velvety richness to the soup. If you’re keeping things lighter, you can omit this or substitute it with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Expert Tips

To make sure your frozen tomato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

Choose the right tomatoes: The best tomato soup comes from the best tomatoes. Look for ripe, in-season tomatoes with a firm texture and deep color. For the richest flavor, use heirloom or Roma tomatoes, which tend to have more flesh and less water.
Cook it slow: Let the soup simmer for long enough to develop the full flavor. Don’t rush this step. Low and slow cooking allows the tomatoes to break down and meld with the other vegetables, deepening the taste.
Cool the soup before freezing: Before placing the soup in the freezer, make sure it has cooled completely. If you freeze it while still hot, it could create excess moisture and affect the texture when reheated.
Use an immersion blender: For a smoother, creamier texture, an immersion blender works wonders. It’s easy, fast, and saves you the trouble of transferring hot soup in batches to a blender.
Label your containers: This one’s crucial! Always label your freezer bags or containers with the date and contents. Tomato soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months, so knowing when it was made will help you use it at its best.

Recipe Variations

While the classic tomato soup is always a winner, sometimes you want to switch it up a bit. Here are some fun variations to keep your frozen soup game exciting:

Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast your tomatoes, onions, and garlic before adding them to the soup pot. This caramelizes the sugars and brings out a deeper, smokier flavor.
Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili pepper to give your soup a spicy kick. You could even throw in a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of smokiness.
Tomato Basil Soup: Add fresh basil leaves at the end of the cooking process (before blending) for a fresh, herby flavor. You can also garnish the soup with basil once reheated for a burst of color.
Cheesy Tomato Soup: Stir in shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan) toward the end of cooking. For a classic grilled cheese pairing, sprinkle croutons or cubed bread with melted cheese and serve on the side.
Vegan Version: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk, and use vegetable broth. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring a zesty flavor to balance the richness.

Final Words

Frozen tomato soup is a delightful dish to have in your meal prep arsenal. It’s comforting, satisfying, and can be customized in countless ways to fit your flavor preferences. Whether you’re enjoying a simple bowl on a cold day or spicing it up with a dash of heat or a touch of cream, it’s sure to bring warmth to your table, even in the middle of summer when tomatoes are out of season.

Frozen Tomato Soup Recipe