Tomato soup is the kind of cozy comfort food that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly day. Imagine the rich, velvety texture flowing over your taste buds, with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes dancing in harmony with aromatic herbs. The aroma of simmering tomatoes wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the kitchen as they eagerly await this soul-soothing bowl of goodness.

Every spoonful brings back memories of rainy afternoons spent curled up with a good book and a steaming bowl of tomato soup. It’s that perfect dish for casual family dinners, snowy evenings, or even when you need a quick lunch fix after a hectic morning. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last drop has vanished.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- With its robust flavor profile, it tantalizes your taste buds while offering a vibrant color that brightens any table
- Plus, it pairs beautifully with grilled cheese or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal
- Enjoy its versatility by adding your favorite herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours!
I once served this delightful tomato soup at a gathering, and let me tell you, my friends kept coming back for seconds—and thirds! Their happy faces were priceless as they slurped away every last drop.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; heirloom varieties work wonders too!
Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; chop it finely to enhance flavor release.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an irresistible aroma; don’t skimp on this fragrant gem.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while allowing flavors to shine.
Olive Oil: A splash of quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness and flavor.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness; use whole leaves for better infusion.
Sugar: A pinch balances acidity; adjust according to your taste preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings—taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all your fresh tomatoes into chunks. Dice the onion and mince the garlic until fragrant. This prep work makes cooking smoother!
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and sweet-smelling—about 5 minutes should do. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn!
Add the Garlic and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic next and cook until fragrant—around 30 seconds will do. Then add those glorious chopped tomatoes into the pot. Watch them sizzle!
Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Pour in vegetable broth until everything is submerged nicely. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to balance flavors beautifully. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Blend Until Smooth: Once simmered for about 20 minutes (until tomatoes are tender), remove from heat. Blend using an immersion blender until creamy smooth—this step makes all the difference!
Add Fresh Basil Leaves: Finally, stir in fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish before serving. Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary; it’s all about that perfect flavor!
Now you’ve created a bowl of tomato soup that’s not just delicious but delights everyone who takes a bite!
Enjoy this comforting dish on its own or serve it alongside some crispy grilled cheese sandwiches for that classic pairing!
You Must Know
- Tomato soup can be a comfort in a bowl, full of flavors
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best taste; canned tomatoes work too
- Pair it with grilled cheese for a classic combo that never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add tomatoes and broth gradually for depth.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding basil for freshness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Swap cream for coconut milk if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your tomato soup, roast the tomatoes first for deeper flavor
- Always taste as you go; adjust seasoning to your liking
- A splash of balsamic vinegar can elevate the dish beautifully
Sharing my first attempt at tomato soup brings back memories of splattered aprons and laughter in the kitchen, with friends giving their honest opinions and me learning as I went along.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes for tomato soup?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes work great and save time while still delivering delicious flavor.
What herbs pair well with tomato soup?
Basil, oregano, or thyme enhance the flavor profile beautifully in your tomato soup.
How can I make tomato soup creamy?
Add heavy cream or coconut milk during cooking for a rich and velvety texture in your soup.

Tomato Soup
Warm up with a bowl of homemade tomato soup that embodies comfort and nostalgia. This velvety, rich soup combines ripe tomatoes with aromatic herbs, delivering a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or quick lunches, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite, especially when paired with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by washing and chopping the tomatoes, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and pour in vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes until tomatoes are tender. Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg