Description
Creamy tomato soup offers rich, comforting flavor in just 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. This homemade version blends perfectly balanced acidity with velvety creaminess, making it ideal alongside grilled cheese or as a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano style for best flavor)
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjusts acidity)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for vegan)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness; nutritional yeast for vegan)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
1. 1. Melt butter in a large non-reactive pot (like stainless steel or enamel) over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. 2. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer.
3. 3. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tomatoes will soften and flavors meld.
4. 4. Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or blend in batches in a standard blender, venting steam). Return to pot if needed.
5. 5. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan over low heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Always use a non-reactive pot to avoid metallic flavors from tomatoes’ acidity. Start with less sugar and taste; ripe canned tomatoes may need none. For chunkier texture, blend only half the soup. Simmer gently to prevent scorching.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg