This rich and velvety homemade tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. With the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a touch of cream. Whether you enjoy it as a simple snack or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines fresh ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful soup that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of garlic and onions provides a savory base, while the tomatoes bring a rich sweetness and acidity. Adding a touch of cream at the end creates a smooth, velvety texture, making this soup feel extra indulgent without being too heavy. And when I serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s the perfect cozy meal to enjoy any time of the year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, and sugar. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down and soften.
Add the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the soup is ready, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of it.)
If using, stir in the heavy cream to add richness and creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
Vegan Tomato Soup: Omit the heavy cream and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a rich and creamy texture.
Herbed Tomato Soup: Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be substituted for dried basil and thyme for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Smoky Tomato Soup: Add a bit of smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This tomato soup freezes well. After cooling, transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
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FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes canned tomatoes work perfectly fine in this recipe. I often use them for convenience. Simply use two 14.5 oz cans of whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have an immersion blender, simply transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender or food processor to puree it. Just be careful when blending hot liquids!
How can I make this soup spicier?
To give the soup some heat, try adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a small amount of diced jalapeños. Adjust to your heat preference.
Can I add cream to this soup if I prefer a richer texture?
Absolutely! I love adding heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich texture. If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can substitute with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative.
Conclusion
This homemade tomato soup is a perfect balance of flavors—rich, tangy, and smooth with the option for extra creaminess. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or as a cozy weekend treat, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s the ultimate comfort food. I’m sure this will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
📖 Recipe:
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The Best Homemade Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade tomato soup is rich, velvety, and the ultimate comfort food. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a splash of cream, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Enjoy this easy and indulgent soup with grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal. A great recipe for any season
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned) to the pot. Stir in dried basil, thyme, and sugar. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and break down.
- Add vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring soup to a simmer and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend part of the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream for richness, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Vegan Option: Omit the heavy cream and substitute with coconut milk or another plant-based cream for a rich, creamy texture.
Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a smoky twist.
Herb Substitution: Fresh rosemary or oregano can replace dried basil and thyme for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
