Tomato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Creamy tomato soup has been my comfort companion through chilly evenings and lazy weekends.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen inspired this simple yet heartwarming recipe.

Her secret always involved using ripe, juicy tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness.

Fresh herbs and a touch of cream elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with subtle aromatic notes that dance across your palate.

We’ll transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that warms both body and soul.

Let’s unlock the delicious potential waiting in your kitchen!

What Makes Nanas Cream Of Tomato Soup Heartwarming

  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the smooth, sweet-savory flavor profile that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic everyone enjoys together.
  • Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this soup in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a warm, satisfying meal without long preparation times.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a starter, main course, or alongside grilled cheese, adapting easily to different meal styles and occasions while always delivering incredible taste.

Grandma’s Cream of Tomato Soup Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich base for sautéing, adding deep flavor and smooth texture.
  • Onion: Foundational vegetable for creating sweet and aromatic soup base.
Tomato Ingredients:
  • Canned Tomatoes: Primary soup ingredient, providing robust and tangy flavor profile.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the soup.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and balances tomato's acidity.
  • Sugar: Softens tomato's natural tartness and rounds out flavor profile.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright, aromatic herbs for visual appeal and fresh finish.

Grandma’s Cream of Tomato Soup Comfort Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Butter

Heat a large pot over medium temperature.

Gently melt the butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

The butter’s rich aroma will start creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add chopped onions to the melted butter.

Stir and cook the onions until they become soft, translucent, and slightly golden.

This process will release their natural sweetness and develop deep flavor layers.

Step 3: Introduce Tomatoes

Pour in the whole canned tomatoes with their juices.

Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break down the tomatoes into chunky pieces.

Allow the mixture to simmer and bubble gently, blending the ingredients together.

Step 4: Season and Develop Flavor

Sprinkle in salt and pepper.

Let the tomato mixture cook and reduce, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Transform Into Smooth Soup

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer small batches and blend, then return to the pot.

Step 6: Enrich With Cream

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and sugar.

The cream will transform the soup into a luxurious, velvety texture.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Final Simmer

Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to fully incorporate the cream and develop its final flavor profile.

Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optional garnishes include:
  • Fresh chopped herbs
  • A swirl of additional cream
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Crispy croutons

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy this comforting classic soup!

Soup Tips for Nana’s Tomato Classic

  • Take time to caramelize onions slowly, which releases deeper, sweeter flavors and creates a rich foundation for the soup.
  • Use an immersion blender for easier and safer blending, preventing hot soup splashes and maintaining a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Add cream gradually and taste after each addition to achieve the perfect balance of richness without overwhelming the tomato's natural flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings in stages, understanding that salt and pepper enhance the soup's depth without masking the tomato's essence.
  • Transform the soup by adding roasted garlic, fresh herbs like basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for personalized warmth and complexity.

Tomato Soup Storage Plan

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups for best texture, as cream can separate.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming but not boiling to prevent cream from breaking.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

Tomato Soup: Best Companions

  • Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and toast until golden. The crispy, buttery bread provides a perfect texture contrast to the smooth, creamy soup while soaking up the rich tomato flavors.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the soup's richness, refreshing the palate and enhancing the tomato's natural tanginess.
  • Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a simple side salad with mixed greens, fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette. The bright, zesty salad balances the soup's creamy texture and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Serve with Goat Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle tangy, creamy goat cheese on top of the soup. The cheese's slight sharpness and smooth texture harmonize beautifully with the tomato soup's velvety consistency.

Nana’s Tomato Soup With Other Comforting Takes

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing onions to maintain a rich, creamy texture.
  • Low-Sodium Solution: Opt for no-salt-added canned tomatoes and skip added salt. Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.
  • Vegan Comfort Bowl: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or olive oil. Use cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth to create a creamy consistency. Select fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Skip sugar or replace with a small amount of maple syrup. Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and natural sweetness.

FAQs

  • Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this cream of tomato soup is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat products, using only vegetables, butter, cream, and canned tomatoes.

  • Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative instead of heavy cream. The soup will still maintain its rich, creamy texture.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

You can enhance the protein content by adding cooked white beans, tofu cubes, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top. Another option is to serve the soup with a side of grilled cheese sandwich.

  • What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Canned whole peeled tomatoes are ideal for this soup. They provide a rich, consistent flavor and break down easily during cooking. San Marzano tomatoes are particularly great for creating a smooth, flavorful base.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy tomato soup blends silky textures with rich comfort, bringing Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen. Hearty nanas cream of tomato soup delivers pure nostalgia and soul-satisfying flavor you can savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (28 ounces / 794 grams) whole peeled tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Gently melt butter in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, creating a warm foundation for the soup’s development.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their delicate aromatics and sweetening the base.
  3. Pour in whole canned tomatoes with their natural juices, carefully fragmenting them using a wooden spoon or potato masher to create a rustic, textured landscape.
  4. Allow the tomato mixture to gently simmer, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, concentrated flavor profile while seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Transform the mixture into a velvety consistency using an immersion blender, ensuring a smooth and uniform texture throughout the soup. For those without an immersion blender, carefully transfer to a standard blender in controlled batches.
  6. Incorporate heavy cream and a touch of sugar, carefully balancing the soup’s flavor profile and enhancing its luxurious mouthfeel.
  7. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning as needed to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor spectrum.
  8. Permit the soup to gently warm through, allowing the cream to integrate seamlessly and create a cohesive, comforting dish.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally embellishing with a delicate cream swirl or freshly chopped herbs to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Swap dairy for dietary needs by using coconut cream or cashew cream to make the soup vegan and lactose-free.
  • Roast tomatoes before blending to intensify their natural sweetness and add a smoky depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
  • Balance acidity by adding a pinch of baking soda during cooking to neutralize the tomatoes’ sharp taste and create a smoother texture.
  • Create texture variations by leaving some tomato chunks or using fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a more complex, rustic experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star