Name: Best Homemade Tomato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds tomatoes (fresh, cut into 2” pieces); 1 cup onion (diced); 5 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped); ¼ cup fresh basil; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 2 Tablespoons salted butter; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 quart vegetable broth; ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s made from scratch. The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is not just any tomato soup; it’s a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant starter for your next gathering, this soup fits the bill perfectly. With its inviting aroma and vibrant color, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Imagine the sweet scent of roasted tomatoes mingling with garlic and fresh basil wafting through your home. This recipe captures those flavors beautifully, making it a favorite for both cozy nights in and special occasions when you want to impress your guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s regarded as one of the best homemade tomato soups out there!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Simple to make: This recipe comes together effortlessly, even for beginners.

– Flavor-packed: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.

– Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a side dish.

– Healthy option: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from fresh vegetables.

– Customizable: You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making this tomato soup shine. Below are the essentials you’ll need for this delicious recipe.

Fresh Ingredients

– 3 pounds tomatoes (fresh, cut into 2” pieces)

– ½ onion (diced, 1 cup)

– 5 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)

– ¼ cup fresh basil

Cooking Essentials

– 2 Tablespoons olive oil

– ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

– ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

– 2 Tablespoons salted butter

– 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

– 1 quart vegetable broth

– ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to personalize your soup:

– Swap in different herbs: Try using thyme or oregano for a different flavor twist.

– Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or carrots before roasting for extra nutrition.

– Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

– Make it vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely.

How to Make Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. This high temperature is essential for roasting the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and intensify their flavor. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a large baking sheet so that nothing sticks during roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

On your prepared baking sheet, spread out the cut tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped garlic evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Toss everything together lightly so that each piece is coated; this step enhances the roasting process by allowing each ingredient’s flavor to shine.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. Roasting not only deepens the flavors but also creates those delicious browned bits that add richness to your soup.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Once roasted, transfer everything from the baking sheet into a blender or food processor. Add fresh basil and blend until smooth. If needed, do this in batches based on your blender size. Blending gives your soup that creamy texture that is simply irresistible!

Step 5: Create Your Soup Base

In a large pot over medium heat, melt salted butter. Once melted, whisk in all-purpose flour until combined; this will help thicken the soup. Slowly add vegetable broth while continuing to whisk until smooth. This step ensures that there are no lumps in your soup base.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the broth base. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes—this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Finish It Off

If using heavy cream, stir it into the soup just before serving for an extra layer of creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; you may want to add more salt or sugar depending on your preference.

And there you have it—the Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe! Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for an unforgettable meal!

Pro Tips for Making Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Making the best homemade tomato soup is a delightful journey, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights. Let’s make this soup not just good, but truly unforgettable!

– Choose ripe tomatoes: The fresher and riper your tomatoes are, the sweeter and more flavorful your soup will be. Look for vibrant red tomatoes that feel heavy for their size.

– Roast for depth: Roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic enhances their natural sweetness and brings out rich flavors. Don’t skip this step if you want a complex taste.

– Blend until smooth: For a truly creamy texture, blend your soup thoroughly. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it in batches to a traditional blender.

– Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can make all the difference.

– Add cream at the end: If you choose to include heavy cream for richness, add it after blending and heat gently. This keeps the cream from curdling and ensures a smooth finish.

How to Serve Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Serving your homemade tomato soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

– Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of freshly torn basil enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.

– Croutons: Crunchy croutons offer a delightful texture contrast to the smooth soup.

– Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving adds richness and depth.

Side Dishes

– Grilled cheese sandwiches: A classic pairing that never fails; the gooey cheese complements the tangy soup perfectly.

– Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your delicious bowl of tomato goodness.

– Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the soup.

– Roasted vegetables: Serve with seasonal roasted veggies for added nutrients and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Meal prepping this tomato soup is a fantastic way to have comfort food ready whenever you need it. Here’s how to store it properly so that you can enjoy it later!

Storing Leftovers

– Cool completely: Allow any leftover soup to cool down to room temperature before storing.

– Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers for maximum freshness in the fridge.

– Enjoy within 4–5 days: Leftover tomato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

– Portion out servings: Divide your soup into individual portions before freezing for easy reheating later on.

– Use freezer-safe containers: Make sure to use containers designed for freezing or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn.

– Label and date: Always label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness; it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

– Thaw if frozen: If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

– Heat gently on stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up.

– Microwave option: For quick reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

FAQs

If you’re new to making homemade tomato soup or have specific questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries I receive:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! If fresh tomatoes aren’t available or you’re short on time, canned whole tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe. Just drain them slightly before roasting.

What if my soup is too acidic?

If you find your tomato soup tastes too acidic, try adding a pinch more sugar or a small amount of baking soda while cooking. Both options help balance acidity effectively.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy consistency without dairy. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth!

Final Thoughts

I hope this best homemade tomato soup recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen! With its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s perfect any time of year. So gather some fresh tomatoes and give it a try—you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!