Description
A velvety, flavorful, and soul-warming creamy tomato soup recipe that is perfect on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. This easy homemade creamy tomato soup from scratch takes about 30 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional but recommended)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans crushed or whole tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or thyme (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prep: Dice onion, mince garlic, and measure all ingredients.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil/butter. Add onions and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer: Add tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Blend: Turn off heat. Use an immersion blender to purée until smooth, or carefully blend in batches with a countertop blender.
- Finish: Stir in cream and warm gently for 2–3 minutes (do not boil). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, or homemade croutons. Perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich!
Notes
- Acidity too high? Add sugar, or a tiny pinch of baking soda (1/8 tsp).
- Too thin? Simmer longer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Make ahead: Freeze before adding cream. Reheat and stir in cream when serving.
- Flavor twists: Roasted red pepper, Spicy arrabbiata, Vegan coconut cream, Creamy bisque with milk instead of broth, Fresh herbs added at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
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