Creamy Tomato Soup

Indulge in comfort with this Creamy Tomato Soup recipe, a warm embrace of rich flavors and velvety texture. Sautéed onions and garlic meld with a blend of whole and fire-roasted tomatoes, seasoned with fragrant herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. After simmering to perfection, the soup is pureed to silky smoothness, transforming into a luxurious base that welcomes a swirl of cream and fresh basil.

Whether enjoyed alongside grilled cheese or as a standalone bowl of comfort, this soup promises to soothe and satisfy, making every spoonful a delightfully cozy experience.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil or butter

1 onion, medium or large

1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced

1 28-oz can whole tomatoes, *

1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth, **

1/2 to 1 cup cream

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the oil or butter. When the oil shimmers (or the butter melts), add 1 chopped onion.

Season with 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.

Saute until the onions are lightly browned, 5-8 minutes.

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic (about a tablespoon) and saute for 1 more minute.

Add the can of whole tomatoes (with juices) and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Add 4 cups chicken broth.

Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, turn the heat down to a low simmer and cook for at least 10 minutes, or up to 45 minutes if you have the time.

Turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup. If you do not have an immersion blender (why, why??) then let the soup cool for a couple minutes before transferring to a blender. You will have to do it in a few batches. Do not fill the blender to the fill line; add less than you think. The soup is very hot and will expand when blended, which could overflow your blender and splatter you with molten hot lava tomato soup. The other thing I recommend is to take out the little spout at the top of the blender and hold a towel over the top of the lid while blending. This will allow steam to escape and you will be able to avoid tomato soup Pompeii.

Once all the soup is blended, heat it back up again on the stove if necessary. Turn off the heat and slowly stir in 1/2 to 1 cup cream.

If you want, chop up about 1/2 cup basil and stir it into the soup, or top each serving with fresh basil.

Serve warm with grilled cheese sandwiches! If you want you can cut sandwiches into tiny “croutons” and put them in your soup like in the photos. But…they get soggy pretty much right away. So unless you are taking photos of your soup to put on the internet, I say just dip your sandwich!

Notes:

Choosing Ingredients: Use good-quality olive oil or butter for sautéing, as they will impart flavor to the soup. Kosher salt is recommended for its mild flavor, but adjust according to your taste.

Adding Spices: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust according to your preference for spiciness. Dried oregano and basil contribute to the soup’s herbaceous flavor profile.

Sautéing Onions and Garlic: Ensure the onions are caramelized to a light brown color to develop depth of flavor. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Tomato Selection: Using a combination of whole tomatoes and fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds complexity and depth to the soup’s flavor.

Simmering Time: Simmer the soup for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For richer flavor, extend the simmering time up to 45 minutes if possible.

Blending the Soup: An immersion blender is ideal for pureeing directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid spills and splatters. Release steam while blending to prevent pressure buildup.

Adding Cream: Gradually stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of cream after blending for a luxurious, creamy texture. Adjust the amount based on your preference for richness.

Fresh Basil: Chopping and stirring fresh basil into the soup just before serving adds a bright, herbaceous note. It also makes a lovely garnish if sprinkled on top of each serving.

Serving Suggestions: Creamy Tomato Soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches. If desired, cut the sandwiches into small pieces for dipping, though they will soften quickly when immersed in the soup.

Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned.

Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced, in place of the canned tomatoes.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.

What is the purpose of using both whole and diced tomatoes?

Whole tomatoes provide a richer flavor and texture, while diced tomatoes add a chunkier consistency to the soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How long will this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

You can substitute dried basil, but reduce the amount to about 1-2 teaspoons since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I omit the cream to make a lighter version?

Yes, you can omit the cream for a lighter soup. It will still be flavorful and delicious.

How do I prevent the soup from splattering when blending?

Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.

Blend in batches, filling the blender halfway each time.

Hold a kitchen towel over the lid to allow steam to escape.

Is this soup spicy with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat.

Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Besides grilled cheese sandwiches, you can serve crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side salad for a complete meal.