Cream Of Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup – warm, comforting, and undeniably nostalgic. For many, it’s a dish that evokes childhood memories, a rainy day meal, or a quick go-to dinner when time is tight. But what if we told you that the classic tomato soup can be taken to new heights with just a few simple ingredients and tweaks? Enter Cream of Tomato Soup. This version elevates the humble tomato with a rich, velvety texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a creamy, luscious take on the classic, offering the perfect balance between the tanginess of tomatoes and the smoothness of cream.

If you’ve ever had a bowl of creamy tomato soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, you know exactly how comforting this dish can be. But there’s more to it than just comfort – it’s a dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste, packed with fresh ingredients, and whipped up in no time. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Cream of Tomato Soup recipe is one you can master in a flash.

Cream Of Tomato Soup Recipe

This recipe doesn’t just promise comfort but also a burst of flavor in every spoonful. By adding just the right blend of ingredients and spices, you’ll get a soup that’s aromatic, flavorful, and smooth. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of rich, creamy tomato soup perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients Needed

To make the best Cream of Tomato Soup, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes work best, but canned tomatoes will do in a pinch. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal for their sweet, less watery nature.
• Butter – Adds richness and depth to the soup. You can also use olive oil if you prefer a lighter taste.
• Onion – A medium onion finely chopped will provide a base of flavor.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is key to enhancing the overall profile of the soup. You’ll sauté it for just a minute, releasing its aromatic oils.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth – You need a flavorful liquid base, and broth (vegetable or chicken) works perfectly to complement the tomatoes.
• Heavy Cream – The secret to the creamy texture. Don’t skimp on this!
• Tomato Paste – A small amount of tomato paste enhances the tomato flavor and adds a deeper, richer base.
• Sugar – Just a pinch, but it helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt & Pepper – For seasoning, adjust to taste.
• Dried Herbs (Optional) – Basil, thyme, or oregano will add aromatic depth and complexity to the soup.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil
• Croutons
• A drizzle of cream or olive oil

Cooking Instructions

Making Cream of Tomato Soup is as easy as following these simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep The Vegetables

   • Start by washing and chopping your fresh tomatoes (if using whole ones). For a smoother texture, you can peel them, but it’s not necessary. Set them aside.
   • Finely chop the onion and garlic.

2. Sauté Aromatics

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent.
   • Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Cook The Tomatoes

   • If you’re using fresh tomatoes, add them now and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will break down and release their juices.
   • If you’re using canned tomatoes, you can add them directly to the pot along with the tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Pour in your broth (vegetable or chicken), add a pinch of sugar, and stir well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
   • Once the tomatoes are soft, remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to purée it until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

5. Add The Cream

   • Return the soup to the stove on low heat, and stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, or croutons. Serve hot, preferably with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate combo!

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this Cream of Tomato Soup serves a specific purpose, enhancing both flavor and texture. Let’s dive a little deeper into why these ingredients work so well together:

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the heart of this soup. They provide that signature tart, slightly sweet flavor. When cooked down, they release natural sugars and create a rich base. The acidity of tomatoes balances out the richness of the cream.
• Heavy Cream: The key to a smooth, velvety texture. The cream adds a luxurious mouthfeel, and without it, the soup would taste thinner and less rich.
• Butter: Butter adds a soft, rich flavor to the soup’s base. It also helps to sauté the aromatics without burning them, providing a good foundation for the soup’s flavor profile.
• Broth: Broth adds depth and complexity. If you use chicken broth, you’ll get a savory undertone that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes. Vegetable broth is perfect for keeping things lighter but still rich.
• Sugar: Tomatoes, especially when using canned ones, can sometimes be too acidic. A pinch of sugar counters that acidity and rounds out the soup’s flavor, making it more balanced.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated burst of tomato flavor, making the soup even more tomato-forward and giving it an extra layer of depth.

Expert Tips

To make your Cream of Tomato Soup truly outstanding, here are a few tips from seasoned chefs:

• Use Fresh Tomatoes for Best Flavor: If you can get your hands on vine-ripened, in-season tomatoes, they’ll add an unbeatable freshness and sweetness to your soup.
• Blending Options: For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or skin.
• Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh basil or thyme really shine in this soup. Add them near the end of cooking for maximum flavor.
• Roast the Tomatoes: For an added layer of flavor, you can roast the tomatoes first. This caramelizes the natural sugars and intensifies the tomato flavor before adding them to the soup.
• Adjust the Creaminess: Want a thicker soup? Add a little extra cream or even some cream cheese for an extra indulgent feel. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Recipe Variations

One of the beauties of Cream of Tomato Soup is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few variations to spice things up:

• Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the sautéed onions and garlic for a kick of heat.
• Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for olive oil and the heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
• Roasted Garlic: Roast a whole head of garlic and add it to the soup. Roasting garlic brings out its sweetness and mellow flavor, giving your soup a more complex taste.
• Smoked Tomato Soup: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to the soup to give it a smoky, barbecue-inspired twist.
• Cheese Lover’s Soup: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese or even a little Parmesan to make your soup extra cheesy. For the ultimate indulgence, serve the soup with cheese-stuffed croutons.

Final Words

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of tomato soup – especially when it’s as creamy and indulgent as this one. Whether it’s the middle of winter, a rainy evening, or just a time when you need some pure comfort food, this Cream of Tomato Soup will satisfy. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes and dietary needs, and the creamy texture makes it stand out from your typical tomato soup recipes.