Tomato soup has to be one of those classic comfort foods that you can always rely on to bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction. There’s something about a bowl of smooth, velvety tomato soup that just feels like a hug in a bowl, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich (but that’s a conversation for another time!). Now, imagine creating that cozy tomato soup flavor at home but without a long list of complicated ingredients. Well, guess what? I’ve got a delicious solution for you-a tomato soup made with tomato sauce. Yes, you heard that right. It’s a shortcut that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something homemade but don’t have a ton of time or ingredients on hand.
And the best part? This recipe is not only easy but can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. So, let’s dive into this super simple yet flavorful tomato soup recipe using tomato sauce, and I’ll guide you every step of the way!
Easy Tomato Soup Tomato Sauce Recipe
This tomato soup recipe uses tomato sauce as the base, which is a fantastic shortcut for making a flavorful soup without starting from scratch. It’s a quick and easy version that doesn’t sacrifice the richness and depth you want in a classic tomato soup.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients Needed
This is where simplicity comes in. You don’t need an exhaustive list of ingredients, but just a few pantry staples and fresh items will make the magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – This is the base of the soup, providing that rich, smooth, and tangy tomato flavor.
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth – You’ll need this to thin the soup out a bit, making it the perfect consistency. Broth also adds a savory depth that takes it up a notch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – For a luscious, creamy texture. It adds a bit of richness to the soup that takes it from good to great.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must for that savory undertone, a fragrant backdrop to the tomato’s tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – This balances out the acidity of the tomato sauce. Trust me, you won’t even taste it, but it makes all the difference.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Classic seasoning for any tomato-based dish. It gives a lovely herby flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano adds a bit of Mediterranean flair, giving a fragrant earthy note to the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – These are the final seasonings you’ll need to make sure the soup is perfectly balanced.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic, making sure they release all their delicious flavors into the base.
Cooking Instructions
It’s time to bring everything together! Don’t worry; this won’t take long at all.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
Heat the butter (or olive oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they’re soft and translucent-about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Keep stirring to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
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Add The Tomato Sauce And Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce and broth into the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
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Season It Up
Add the dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir well to mix. Then, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Don’t skip this step-adjusting the seasoning is key to getting that perfect flavor.
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Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. If you want a slightly thicker soup, let it cook for longer, or add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
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Add The Cream
Once the soup has simmered, stir in the heavy cream. This will give it that beautiful, velvety texture. Let it heat through, but don’t bring it to a boil again-this can cause the cream to curdle.
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Blend (Optional)
If you like a super smooth texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer it to a regular blender. If you prefer a bit of texture, leave it as is!
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Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a few croutons if you want a bit of crunch. Pair it with a grilled cheese or a side salad for the perfect meal!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:
- Tomato Sauce: Using tomato sauce as the base is the shortcut to a rich, tangy flavor. Since it’s already cooked and has the perfect consistency, it saves you the time of reducing fresh tomatoes into a sauce.
- Broth: The broth adds flavor without diluting the soup. You could even experiment with different broths-vegetable, chicken, or even beef-depending on the flavor profile you want.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is what makes this soup so rich and luxurious. It softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a silky smooth finish.
- Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients lay down the foundation of flavor for most savory dishes. They create a flavorful base that enhances the soup without overpowering it.
- Herbs and Sugar: The sugar helps cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the flavors, while the herbs add complexity and that familiar comforting taste.
Expert Tips
To make your tomato soup even better, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t skip the sugar: Even a tiny bit can balance out the acidity of tomatoes and make the flavor more rounded. You won’t taste sweetness, but it’ll make a noticeable difference.
- Sauté the onions and garlic properly: The key to unlocking deep, savory flavors is making sure the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant. If you skip this step, the soup won’t have the same depth.
- For extra flavor, roast the tomatoes: If you have a bit more time and want to take the flavor up a notch, you can roast fresh tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, giving a smoky, rich depth to the soup.
- Use whole milk or a mix of cream and milk: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with whole milk or a combination of cream and milk to get the creaminess without the richness of heavy cream.
- Top with cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan, a dollop of ricotta, or even a few fresh mozzarella balls can take this soup to another level. If you’re feeling indulgent, you could also add some shredded cheese into the soup and let it melt.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this tomato soup recipe is that you can easily make it your own! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or even a few slices of fresh jalapeños for some heat.
- Vegan Tomato Soup: For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter, and swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: If you have some extra time, roast fresh tomatoes in the oven before blending them into the soup for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Add fresh basil in place of the dried basil, either at the end of cooking or as a garnish on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Cheese Lover’s Soup: Blend in a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the soup for a cheesy tomato soup experience.
Final Words
This easy tomato soup recipe made with tomato sauce is proof that you can create a delicious and comforting meal in no time with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or need something quick for lunch, this soup is here to save the day. The balance of tangy tomatoes, creamy richness, and fragrant herbs is a timeless combination that never disappoints.