Easy Cream Of Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup, especially the creamy kind, is a comforting dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a cold winter evening, a bowl of creamy tomato soup is a perfect solution to satisfy both hunger and soul. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smooth, velvety texture paired with the vibrant tang of tomatoes, making it an all-time favorite for many.

In this post, we’re diving into a simple yet mouthwatering recipe for creamy tomato soup that will rival any restaurant dish. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. We’re going to walk through each step so that even if you’ve never tried making soup from scratch, you’ll feel confident and excited to give this one a go.

Easy Cream Of Tomato Soup Recipe

This recipe for Easy Cream of Tomato Soup is designed for both beginners and seasoned cooks who want to whip up something quick and delicious. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of tangy from the tomatoes. You can even prep it in advance and store it for later, which is perfect for busy weeks or meal prep enthusiasts.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy tomato soup that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

• Tomatoes (fresh or canned): You can use either fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes. Canned is more convenient and ensures consistent flavor.
• Heavy cream: This adds richness and a silky texture. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or milk works too.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons to sauté the aromatics and give the soup a deeper, savory flavor.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, helps create the base of the soup and adds some sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced. The garlic brings an aromatic depth to the flavor of the soup.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: This is your liquid base, so pick a good quality broth for an added layer of flavor.
• Olive oil: To sauté the onion and garlic. You can substitute with butter for a richer taste.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Basil or dried herbs: A handful of fresh basil leaves or a teaspoon of dried herbs will give the soup that classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• Croutons or grilled cheese (optional): To pair with the soup and make it a complete meal.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s Walk Through The Steps For Making This Creamy Tomato Soup.

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it turns soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. The garlic should become fragrant, but not browned.

2. Add The Tomatoes

   If you’re using canned tomatoes, simply add them to the pot. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into chunks first and toss them in. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.

3. Pour In The Broth

   Add about 3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth to the pot. This is going to form the base of your soup. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the soup to reduce slightly.

4. Blend It Up

   Once the soup has simmered and the tomatoes have fully broken down, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful-let it cool a bit before blending to avoid splattering hot liquid!

5. Finish With Cream And Season

   Stir in about 1 cup of heavy cream, then taste and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. If you’re using fresh basil, chop it up and add it in now. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. You can serve it with croutons, a grilled cheese sandwich, or even a drizzle of more cream or basil for that extra flair.

Ingredient Insights

• Tomatoes: The quality of tomatoes is crucial to this recipe. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, ripe, juicy ones will make a huge difference. But canned tomatoes are also a great option-especially San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
• Heavy Cream: The cream is what takes this soup from good to great. It creates that luscious, rich texture we all love in creamy tomato soup. However, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme give the soup a more aromatic and vibrant taste. Dried herbs work too, but they might not infuse the same fresh flavor. If you’re using dried basil, be sure to add it during the cooking process to give it time to rehydrate and release its flavor.

Expert Tips

1. Use an immersion blender: This tool is a game-changer when it comes to soups. It makes pureeing easy and avoids the mess of transferring hot soup into a blender. Plus, you get that smooth consistency without losing any of the flavor.
2. Don’t skimp on seasoning: Tomatoes are naturally acidic, so it’s important to balance the flavor with a little sugar and seasoning. Don’t skip tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper!
3. Garnish creatively: You can elevate the soup by topping it with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, a drizzle of pesto, or a handful of fresh basil leaves. A swirl of olive oil can also give it an extra layer of richness.
4. Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step for a spicy kick. This adds complexity without overpowering the classic tomato flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness and a touch of tropical flavor.
2. Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until they’re charred and soft. This intensifies the flavor and adds a smoky depth to your soup.
3. Smoky Tomato Soup: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika during the cooking process to give the soup a smoky, barbecue-like flavor. You can also blend in a bit of chipotle pepper for an extra smoky kick.
4. Spicy Tomato Soup: Add some chili paste, fresh chili, or a dash of cayenne pepper to bring some heat to your creamy tomato soup. Pair it with a slice of cheesy garlic bread to balance the spiciness.

Final Words

Creamy tomato soup is the epitome of comfort food, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to make it incredible. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make a batch that tastes like it’s been simmering all day-without the fuss.

This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your toppings or add-ins. You can easily make it your own, whether you like a traditional approach or prefer something a bit more adventurous with smoky or spicy flavors.