Why Make This Classic Tomato Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of classic tomato soup. This beloved dish is not only rich in flavor but also easy to make, providing a delicious option for lunch or dinner. Its vibrant red color is as appealing as its taste, and it offers a warm and cozy experience whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or paired with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, this recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fat: 7 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
Why Make This Classic Tomato Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of classic tomato soup. This beloved dish is not only rich in flavor but also easy to make, providing a delicious option for lunch or dinner. Its vibrant red color is as appealing as its taste, and it offers a warm and cozy experience whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or paired with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, this recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
How to Make Classic Tomato Soup
This classic tomato soup is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. By using fresh and pantry staples, you can achieve a delicious homemade soup in no time. Follow these easy steps for a creamy and tantalizing soup that you and your family will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Cream (optional)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the oil first allows it to warm up, ensuring that the onions and garlic sauté perfectly.
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Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Once the oil is shimmering, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for your soup.
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Step 3: Mixing the Main Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor. Mix everything well to combine.
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Step 4: Cooking the Soup
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Step 5: Finishing the Soup
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a swirl of cream if desired.
How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup
Classic tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy croutons, or a fresh garden salad. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for an extra touch of comfort. For an elegant touch, drizzle some high-quality olive oil on top before serving.
How to Store Classic Tomato Soup
To store any leftover classic tomato soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Expert Tips for Perfect Classic Tomato Soup
- If you like a chunkier texture, reserve some of the tomatoes before blending and add them back into the soup after pureeing.
- For a richer flavor, try roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or oregano, can also be added during the cooking phase for extra flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream to the soup just before blending for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking for a spicy twist.
- Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Blend in roasted red peppers with the tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use around 2 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes; just blanch and peel them before cooking to make the process easier. - Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this classic tomato soup is vegan-friendly as long as you skip the cream garnish or use a plant-based cream alternative. - How can I make it gluten-free?
The ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Ensure that any broth you use is certified gluten-free to maintain this quality. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to reheat gently to preserve its flavor. - How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready when the onions have softened completely and the flavors have melded together during the cooking process, approximately 20-30 minutes total.
Conclusion
Classic tomato soup epitomizes comfort food, with its rich, soothing flavors and hearty texture. This simple recipe highlights the beauty of tomatoes in a manner that is both delicious and nourishing. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Give this classic recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade tomato soup!
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Classic Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting and rich classic tomato soup, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar, mixing well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Return to pot, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot, garnished with basil and a swirl of cream if desired.
Notes
Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
