Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

3.67 from 6 votes

Experience the rich, vibrant flavors of this classic homemade tomato soup. Made with simple pantry staples, this velvety smooth soup balances the natural acidity of tomatoes with a touch of rich cream. It is the ultimate pairing for a crispy grilled cheese sandwich and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cans Whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz cans, San Marzano preferred, with juices)
• 1 cup Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tbsp Sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

 

• Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the canned tomatoes (crushing them slightly with your hands or a wooden spoon as they go in), the vegetable broth, and the sugar.
• Season the pot with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a stand blender) to puree the soup until it is velvety smooth.
• Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Serve hot in bowls, garnished with an extra swirl of cream and a fresh basil leaf, ideally alongside a crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwich!

Nutrition

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 1121mgPotassium: 473mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1059IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Calories: 216kcal

Meal Type: Appetizer, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine: American, european

Keyword: creamy tomato soup, homemade soup, tomato soup

Cooking Method: blend, simmering

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

A Timeless Classic

There is a reason this vibrant, velvety bowl is recognized worldwide as the ultimate comfort food. When compiling a list of the top 10 best soup recipes ever, creamy tomato soup is an absolute non-negotiable entry. It delivers a remarkably rich, bright flavor using just a handful of simple pantry ingredients. By the way, if you love deeply flavorful and comforting bowls, be sure to also check out our amazing Thai Curry Noodles with Shrimp for an exotic and spicy twist!

Why This Ranks Among the Top 10 Best Soup Recipes Ever

This recipe transforms basic canned tomatoes into a gourmet experience. It is no surprise this is hailed as one of the top 10 best soup recipes ever because of its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here is why it stands out:

• The Perfect Pairing: Tomato soup and a crispy grilled cheese sandwich are a legendary culinary match. The rich acidity of the soup perfectly cuts through the heavy, melted cheese.
• Balanced Acidity: Adding just a small spoonful of sugar neutralizes the harsh, tinny acidity of the canned tomatoes, bringing out their natural sweetness.
• Velvety Texture: The addition of heavy cream at the very end gives the broth a luxurious, silky mouthfeel without making it overly heavy.

Tips for Perfecting One of the Top 10 Best Soup Recipes Ever

• Quality Tomatoes Matter: Since tomatoes are the star of the show, use high-quality whole peeled tomatoes (like San Marzano). They are naturally sweeter and less acidic than pre-crushed or diced varieties.
• Blend Carefully: If using a standard blender instead of an immersion blender, do not fill it more than halfway, and remove the center piece of the lid to let steam escape (cover it with a kitchen towel) so it doesn’t explode!
• Fresh Basil is Key: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic freshness that completely elevates the soup.