A comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup is simple, delicious, and perfect for any time of the year. Here’s a classic recipe for a creamy and flavorful tomato soup:
Classic Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- Base:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced (optional for extra flavor)
- Tomatoes:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for extra richness)
- Broth:
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Seasoning:
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried basil or oregano (optional)
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Creaminess:
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Croutons or grilled cheese for dipping
Instructions:
- Cook Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery (if using). Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable (or chicken) broth, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir everything together.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the vegetables are very tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blending until smooth and returning it to the pot.)
- Add Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream to make the soup creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or croutons if desired.
- Pair with grilled cheese or fresh bread for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful tomato soup!
Would you like any variations or additional toppings for the soup?