The aroma of simmering tomatoes fills the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Complete with a luscious creaminess, this creamy tomato soup is a dish that comforts and delights.
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening; the wind howls outside while you’re cozied up at home. The perfect moment for a bowl of delicious creamy tomato soup, right?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tomato soup is effortless to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
- Its rich flavor profile will warm your soul and impress your friends
- The vibrant red color makes it visually appealing as well
- Enjoy it with grilled cheese or crusty bread for an ultimate comfort meal
I remember one cold winter night when I served this to friends; they were practically spooning their bowls clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes work best; look for plump ones with vibrant color for maximum flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped yellow onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they bring aromatic richness to the dish.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt level and enhance flavors.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides that luxurious texture; substitute half-and-half if you’re looking for something lighter.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness; feel free to toss in some dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté vegetables while adding healthy fats.
- Sugar (optional): A pinch balances acidity from the tomatoes; adjust according to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Chop those ripe tomatoes into chunks; let them show off their beautiful colors.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes should do.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the chopped tomatoes along with vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil—witness those lovely juices meld together into a symphony of flavors.
Simmer Away!: Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the tomatoes are completely softened—you’ll know when they practically disintegrate into bliss.
Puree to Perfection: Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring batches to a regular blender), blend until smooth and velvety. Make sure no rogue chunks remain!
Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Return to low heat and stir in heavy cream along with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Taste-test—add more seasoning as desired.
Now serve piping hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese on the side! Your cozy meal awaits.
Enjoy every spoonful as you savor that creamy goodness!
You Must Know
- The secret to a rich, flavorful creamy tomato soup lies in using roasted tomatoes
- This enhances sweetness and adds depth
- The vibrant color and aroma can brighten any dreary day, making it perfect for cozy evenings or unexpected guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Add canned tomatoes, then simmer for flavors to meld before blending for a silky texture.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor. You can also stir in cream or coconut milk for different creamy textures.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover creamy tomato soup in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor; they often outperform fresh ones in soups
- Blend your soup while it’s still warm for a smoother texture without burning yourself
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving – a dash of salt can work wonders!
Cooking creamy tomato soup reminds me of rainy days spent with my grandma, who always had a pot simmering on the stove. Her secret ingredient? A sprinkle of love and her infamous grilled cheese sandwiches!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but roasting them first enhances their sweetness and flavor.
How do I make my creamy tomato soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
What can I serve with creamy tomato soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic, but crusty bread works wonderfully too!
Creamy Tomato Soup
Warm up with this creamy tomato soup, a delightful blend of ripe tomatoes and rich cream, perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prep: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop tomatoes into chunks.
- 2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- 3. Combine: Stir in chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- 4. Simmer: Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- 5. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- 6. Finish: Stir in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
