Welcome to Comfort in a Bowl: Easy Creamy Tomato Soup
Hey there! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite as cozy as a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup, especially on a chilly day. It’s like a hug in food form! I love that it’s so easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it pairs perfectly with grilled cheese, which I think makes it a classic comfort food combo!
The Comforting Benefits of Tomato Soup
Not only is this creamy tomato soup delicious, but it also has some great nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus they’re a good source of potassium. Did you know they also contain lycopene, which is thought to have heart health benefits and may even help protect against certain types of cancer? When you combine tomatoes with a bit of healthy fat from the olive oil and cream, your body can absorb those nutrients even better!
Fun Adaptations for Any Taste or Diet
- Going Vegan? Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. It’ll still be rich and creamy but plant-based!
- Add Some Spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist that compliments the tomatoes beautifully.
- More Veggies!: Toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers when you sauté the onions for added texture and nutrients.
The Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Optional: Crusty bread (for serving)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- First things first, let’s heat up a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and soft. This is where the magic of aroma starts!
- Now stir in the minced garlic for an extra minute—just enough to make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- Pour in that vibrant crushed tomatoes along with your broth of choice. Give it a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors.
- Add one teaspoon of sugar; this helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—taste as you go!
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes. This is when everything comes together beautifully.
- Once it’s had some time, grab your immersion blender and blend the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer it into a regular blender—but please be careful with hot liquids!
- After blending, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Just heat it through; no need to boil!
- Now, taste and adjust your seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping—it’s the best part!
Practical Tips for Making and Storing Your Soup
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, just blend half of the soup and leave the rest as is!
- Storing leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing the soup? It freezes well! Just portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Essential Equipment You’ll Need
Let’s make sure you have what you need for this recipe:
- A large pot or saucepan
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- An immersion blender (or a regular blender for blending the soup)
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A cutting board and knife for chopping
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Absolutely! Use about 2.5 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Just blanch, peel, and chop them first.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to kick it up a notch.
- Can I skip the cream entirely? Sure! Just omit it or replace it with more broth, but the cream does bring that dreamy texture.
- How can I make this soup gluten-free? Use gluten-free broth and skip adding any bread for serving.
- This recipe makes a lot; can I scale it down? Of course! Just halve the ingredients, and you’re good to go!
Wrap-Up: Let’s Get Cooking!
I hope you give this creamy tomato soup a try—it’s simple, satisfying, and a wonderful way to bring some warmth into your home. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you add your own twist to it? Share your experiences with me on Pinterest, and let’s keep the cozy vibes rolling together!
