Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of tomato soup? It’s creamy, comforting, and oh-so-simple to make! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. It’s easy to whip up, and you’ll find that making tomato soup from scratch is both rewarding and delicious. Let’s dive into this fun and friendly recipe that will have you slurping happily!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple and affordable ingredients to make your delicious tomato soup:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your warm and tasty tomato soup:
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Mix in tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Mix everything together.
- Season it: Add the sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend it smooth: For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
- Add cream: If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now for extra richness.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips for Better Results
Here are some handy tips to ensure your tomato soup turns out perfectly:
- Use quality tomatoes: If you can, choose San Marzano tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Don’t skip the sugar: It balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making the soup taste richer.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh basil, use it! It adds a burst of flavor.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
- Store leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Variations (Optional Add-ons)
Get creative with your tomato soup! Here are some fun variations:
- Basil Pesto Swirl: Drizzle some basil pesto on top of your soup before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheesy Tomato Soup: Stir in some grated cheddar cheese right after blending for a cheesy twist!
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and garlic before blending them into your soup.
Serving Suggestions
There’s nothing quite like serving tomato soup with a tasty side! Here are some great ideas:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing! Make a gooey grilled cheese to dip into your soup.
- Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
- Salad: A fresh green salad on the side balances the meal perfectly.
- Crackers: Crunchy crackers can be a fun side for a little texture.
Conclusion
Making your own tomato soup is not only simple, but it’s also a heartwarming way to enjoy a classic dish. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. So grab your pot and give this recipe a try! You’ll be amazed at how easy and comforting homemade tomato soup can be. Enjoy every sip!