Cozy 1 Tomato Soup: Pure Comfort

There’s just something about a simmering pot of homemade tomato soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, right? It instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Ohio, standing on a stool, flour dusting my nose while she stirred a pot just like this one. This simple tomato soup recipe is exactly that – pure comfort in a bowl. It’s unbelievably easy to whip up, especially when you’re craving that classic, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with a gooey grilled cheese. Trust me, this is the kind of soup that makes even the busiest Tuesday feel like a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tomato Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s pure comfort! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Super Simple: Seriously, from start to finish, it’s super quick.
• Amazing Flavor: It tastes like it simmered for hours, but it didn’t!
• Perfect Pairing: It’s practically made for dunking that gooey grilled cheese.
• Pure Comfort: Just the thing for a cozy lunch or a chilly evening.

Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Soup

To make this delicious, comforting soup, you’ll want to have these simple things on hand. Trust me, the magic really starts when you bring these humble ingredients together!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but oh-so-good!)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tomato Soup

Alright, let’s get this simple, yet oh-so-delicious tomato soup on the go! Follow along, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort practically bubbling on your stove in no time. Don’t worry if you get a little distracted; this recipe is super forgiving!

Here’s how we make this magic happen:

1. Sautéing Aromatics for Flavorful Tomato Soup

   First things first, let’s build some flavor! Grab a big pot or a Dutch oven and put it over medium heat. That olive oil you gathered? Drizzle it in. Now, toss in your chopped onion. Let it get nice and soft and sweet, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s looking a little translucent. Then, add the minced garlic – careful not to burn it! Just a minute more until it smells amazing. This step is key for a really flavorful tomato soup.

2. Simmering the Tomato Soup Base

   Okay, now for the stars of the show: the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Pour them right into the pot with those lovely softened onions and garlic. Give it all a good stir. Then, sprinkle in your dried basil, oregano, that little bit of black pepper, and the salt. Bring the whole pot up to a nice, gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a bit, turn the heat down low. Put a lid on (slightly askew is fine!) and let it hang out for at least 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors get to hang out and really get to know each other. You can find more great ideas like this over at our creamy tomato basil soup recipe, but this one is pure classic goodness!

3. Achieving a Smooth Tomato Soup Texture

   Now, let’s talk texture. If you love a super smooth, creamy tomato soup (and who doesn’t with a grilled cheese waiting?), you have a couple of options. The easiest way is to use one of those handy immersion blenders right in the pot. Just go for it until you get that perfect velvety consistency. If you don’t have one, no worries! Carefully ladle the hot soup in batches into a regular blender. Just make sure you don’t fill it up too much and hold that lid down tight with a towel – hot soup can be a bit feisty! Blend until it’s just how you like it. This step really elevates this simple tomato soup.

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4. Finishing Touches and Serving

   Almost there! If you’re going for that extra bit of richness, now’s the time to stir in that heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir and let it warm through. You don’t want to boil it after adding the cream, just get it nice and cozy. The last crucial step? Give it a taste! Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Adjust it until it tastes just right to you. Now, ladle this beautiful tomato soup into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort!

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Tips for the Best Homemade Tomato Soup

You know, making a truly spectacular tomato soup isn’t just about following the steps (though that’s important!); it’s about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years from my own kitchen experiments and, of course, from watching my Grandma. For amazing results every time, I always go for good quality crushed tomatoes – since they’re the star! If you can find fire-roasted ones, even better for a little smoky depth. And don’t skimp on the broth; using a flavorful vegetable broth really makes a difference in that comforting lunch. You can learn more about my kitchen philosophy and why simple, quality ingredients matter so much to me over on my About page!

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Also, remember that simmering time? It’s not just a suggestion! Letting those flavors meld is crucial for that deeply satisfying taste. If you’re looking to make it a proper creamy tomato bisque, that optional heavy cream is your best friend. It just makes everything feel so much more luxurious. Trust me on this!

Serving Suggestions for Your Classic Soup

You know, this homemade tomato soup is practically begging for a friend! It’s a classic soup for a sandwich kind of star. My absolute favorite is, of course, a perfectly gooey grilled cheese – the ultimate comfort food duo! But don’t stop there! A side of crusty bread for dipping is always a winner. For something a little lighter, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette is lovely. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, check out my recipe for amazing Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread – it’s seriously delicious with a bowl of this soup!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This delicious tomato soup stores beautifully. Let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it for a future cozy meal, that works great too! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheating is super easy – just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water will do the trick!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Soup

Got questions about this simple tomato soup? I get it! Making comforting food often brings up a few thoughts. Let’s clear them up so you can get back to enjoying every last spoonful. You can find lots more yummy recipes like this in my Soups and Salads category!

Can I make this tomato soup vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it fully vegan, just skip the heavy cream at the end. Or, you can easily swap it out for a splash of full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened cashew cream. It’ll still be wonderfully creamy and delicious, perfect for a comforting lunch idea!

What kind of tomatoes are a must for homemade tomato soup?

For this specific recipe, I designed it to be super easy, so canned crushed tomatoes are perfect! They’ve already been broken down, so they create a lovely smooth base without extra work. If you happen to have fresh, ripe tomatoes, go for it! Just make sure to chop them up really well before you add them. Using good quality tomatoes makes all the difference in developing that classic soup flavor.

How long does this delicious tomato soup last?

This comforting soup is best enjoyed fresh, but it does keep really well! Once it’s cooled down, pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. You can even freeze portions of it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months!

Can I add other vegetables to this tomato soup?

Oh, definitely! This recipe is so forgiving. Feel free to toss in a chopped carrot or a stalk of celery along with the onion at the beginning. They’ll soften up beautifully during the simmer and add even more depth to your homemade tomato soup. It’s a wonderful way to boost the goodness of this easy pantry recipe and makes it even more of a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just so you know, the nutritional info below is an estimate for about a 1.5-cup serving, and it can totally change depending on exactly what you use. This is just a general idea, but it’s pretty close!

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 180
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Sugar: 12g

Share Your Delicious Tomato Soup Creation!

I just love seeing what you all create in your kitchens! If you give this simple tomato soup a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. Did you pair it with that perfect grilled cheese? I’d also love to see photos of your beautiful bowls – tag me on social media! Your feedback truly makes my day and helps other cooks too. You can also reach out via my contact page!

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Simple Homemade Tomato Soup

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A comforting and easy tomato soup recipe, perfect for a cozy lunch or paired with your favorite sandwich.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
4. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
6. If using, stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently without boiling.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

• This soup is excellent served with grilled cheese sandwiches.
• For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
• Garnish with fresh basil or a swirl of cream before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg