Ah, tomato soup! There’s just something about a warm bowl of it that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, don’t you think? I remember those chilly evenings after school when I’d come home to the tantalizing aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic. My mom would serve it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, and it felt like the ultimate comfort food. This *easy tomato soup recipe* is just as delightful and incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious tomato soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is the base for sautéing your veggies and adds a lovely flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: A sweet onion will add depth to the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic kick.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: This is where your tomato goodness comes from—go for the quality brands!
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Homemade or store-bought, it enhances the soup’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Just a pinch to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: This will elevate your soup with a fresh touch!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this cozy bowl of goodness! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious soup in no time:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it warm enough to sauté but not smoking!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Ah, the smell is already divine!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown, or it might get bitter.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is when all those flavors get to know each other!
- After simmering, grab an immersion blender (or a regular blender if you prefer) and blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You can leave a few chunks if you like a bit of texture!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick stir and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating.
- Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings.
- A total crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make this *easy tomato soup recipe* even better, here are some of my go-to tips! First, if you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works just as well and adds a nice depth of flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat!
When blending, if you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any splatters. And remember, blending in batches can save you from a messy kitchen! Lastly, serve your soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence. Pair it with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with this *easy tomato soup recipe*! If you’re craving something a little richer, why not add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right at the end? It makes the soup ultra-creamy and luxurious. For a fresh twist, use ripe, juicy fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones during peak season—just roast them a bit first to enhance their sweetness!
You can also play around with herbs; try adding a handful of thyme or oregano while it simmers for a lovely aromatic touch. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some spinach or kale for a nutrient boost! And if you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes will give your soup a delightful kick. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), storing them is a breeze. Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If it’s too thick after sitting, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to get it back to that perfect consistency. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, just be sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters!
Nutritional Information
This *easy tomato soup recipe* is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 3g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has 3g of fiber, making it a wholesome choice. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences!
FAQ Section
How long does this tomato soup last in the fridge? It can be stored in an airtight container for about 3–4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before putting it in the fridge!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Absolutely! Just roast them first to enhance their sweetness, and you’ll get a lovely fresh flavor. Aim for about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes for this recipe.
What can I serve with tomato soup? Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing, but you could also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. It’s all about comfort food!
Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can! Just let it cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if I want a spicier soup? If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers. You can always adjust the heat to your liking!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about this *easy tomato soup recipe*! If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own twists on it. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Print
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe: 5 Comforting Steps to Blissful Warmth
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious tomato soup recipe that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in 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.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Add cream for a richer flavor.
- Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy tomato soup recipe
