There’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, isn’t there? It feels like a hug on a chilly day! This *easy tomato soup recipe* is a go-to in my kitchen because it’s not only simple but bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, and I couldn’t help but sneak a taste before it was even done. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to whip it up again and again. It’s pure, cozy goodness in a bowl!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this *easy tomato soup recipe* sing with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will be your base for sautéing and adds a lovely richness to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: About the size of a tennis ball, this will give your soup a sweet depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings such a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: I always go for a quality brand for the best taste; it’s the star of the show!
- 2 cups vegetable broth: This adds a savory backdrop; you can use homemade or store-bought, whatever you have on hand.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes; trust me, it makes a difference!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; don’t skip this step!
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish; I love the smell of fresh basil!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into making this delicious *easy tomato soup recipe*! Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed bowl of comfort:
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is important because medium heat helps cook the onions evenly without burning them. You’ll want to let it warm up for a minute or so until it shimmers—this means it’s ready!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss in your chopped onion and sauté it for about 5–7 minutes. You want it to be soft and translucent, which will bring out its natural sweetness. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pot; we want it to be golden, not brown!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute. This short time is essential because you want to release that amazing garlic aroma without burning it. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Time to add the star of the show! Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the 2 cups of vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and let those flavors mingle together.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This simmering phase is crucial for developing that rich tomato flavor, so don’t rush it! Just let it bubble away peacefully.
Step 6: Blend the Soup
Once the soup has simmered, it’s time to blend it! If you have an immersion blender, this is the perfect moment to use it—just blend until smooth right in the pot. If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit before transferring it in batches. Careful, it’s hot!
Step 7: Season the Soup
After blending, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. This is your chance to adjust the flavors, so don’t be shy! Remember, a little seasoning can elevate the entire dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, serve your warm soup in bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a lovely fresh touch! Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for that classic combo, and you’re all set!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what’s packed into this delicious *easy tomato soup recipe*! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s a comforting and nutritious option that’s perfect for any meal!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *easy tomato soup recipe* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Use Quality Tomatoes: If you can, opt for San Marzano tomatoes or a high-quality brand of crushed tomatoes. The flavor difference is incredible and will elevate your soup!
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Always go for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced or powdered. The aroma and taste are so much better, trust me! Plus, it’s super easy to mince a couple of cloves.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend it less. For a smoother soup, blend it longer! You can also add a bit more broth if it’s too thick for your liking.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the soup simmer for the full 20 minutes really helps to deepen the flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!
- Customize Your Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like a little kick.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil isn’t just for looks—it adds a burst of flavor! You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a tomato soup that’s not just easy, but absolutely delicious!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this *easy tomato soup recipe*! Here are some of my favorite variations that can add a little twist to your classic bowl of comfort:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to give your soup a bit of heat. It’s a great way to spice things up!
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano while it simmers. They bring a whole new level of flavor that’s so aromatic and delicious.
- Veggies Galore: Throw in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini when you sauté the onion. It not only adds nutrition but also a pop of color to your soup!
- Creamy Tomato Bliss: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving. It makes the soup velvety and indulgent!
- Cheesy Goodness: Add grated cheese, like Parmesan or mozzarella, directly into the soup while it’s still hot. It melts beautifully and creates a comforting cheesy layer.
- Roasted Tomato Version: If you have the time, roast some fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and garlic before adding them to the soup. This gives a caramelized flavor that’s out of this world!
These variations are easy to implement, and they can turn your basic tomato soup into something uniquely yours. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the delicious results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep that delicious *easy tomato soup* fresh and tasty! After you’ve enjoyed your warm bowl, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow your soup to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it!
- Freezing: To freeze, ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date!
- Reheating on the Stove: When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you can keep an eye on it and make sure it’s heated evenly.
- Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat your soup in the microwave! Just transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat for 1–2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your soup thickens up in the fridge or freezer, don’t worry! Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a cozy bowl of tomato soup ready to warm you up whenever you need it!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can give your soup a wonderful flavor. Just make sure to peel and chop them first. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the canned variety.
How can I make this soup creamier?
If you want a creamier texture, try adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. It adds a lovely richness that complements the tomatoes beautifully!
What can I serve with tomato soup?
Classic pairings include grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread. You could also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Trust me, the combination is divine!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this *easy tomato soup recipe* is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. Just check the labels if you’re using store-bought broth to ensure it meets your dietary needs!
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe: 8 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious tomato soup recipe that is quick to make.
Zutaten
- 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
Anweisungen
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 400mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: easy tomato soup recipe
