Easy Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is one of those timeless classics that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you need a quick meal fix, this Easy Tomato Soup recipe is here to save the day. Using simple pantry staples like canned tomato sauce and broth, it’s a breeze to whip up and incredibly comforting. Creamy, flavorful, and smooth, this soup balances the natural sweetness of tomatoes with a subtle hint of garlic and onion, then finishes with a touch of cream for that luscious texture. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect option for weeknight dinners or an impressive starter for guests. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly special.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Easy Tomato Soup stands out because of its simplicity and depth of flavor. By using canned tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes, you get a rich, concentrated tomato flavor without any peeling or chopping hassle. The combination of vegetable or chicken broth with a pinch of onion and garlic powder layers flavor effortlessly. Adding heavy cream at the end creates a silky, indulgent texture without overpowering the tomato’s natural brightness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – easily paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just want a fuss-free recipe, this soup is a guaranteed winner.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 30 ounces canned tomato sauce: The base of our soup, providing rich tomato flavor and a smooth consistency.
• 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Choose your favorite based on preference.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without the texture of fresh onions.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mild garlic flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing all the flavors together.

Cook’s Kit

• Medium-sized pot: For simmering all the ingredients evenly.
• Whisk or spoon: To stir the soup and incorporate the cream smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient portions.
• Ladle: Makes serving the soup effortless.
• Blender (optional): If you want an ultra-smooth texture, a quick blend before serving works wonders.

Easy Tomato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by pouring the 30 ounces of canned tomato sauce into your medium pot. Add 3 cups of your chosen broth—vegetable or chicken—then sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to mix the seasonings evenly.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over, stirring occasionally. This simmering step helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Once simmered for about 10 minutes, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is the moment to adjust according to your flavor preference—don’t be shy about adding a little extra!

Step 4: Add the Cream

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream. This addition transforms your soup into a rich, velvety delight. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Blend for Extra Smoothness (Optional)

If you prefer a perfectly smooth texture, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and pulse until silky. Return the blended soup to the pot to warm through before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and pair with your favorite bread or a sandwich like the Rustic Tomato Fig Jam Grilled Cheese for a match made in comfort food heaven.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• Heavy cream: Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that still delivers creaminess.
• Onion and garlic powder: Use finely minced fresh onion and garlic sautéed in a little oil for a more robust flavor.
• Tomato sauce: If you prefer a chunkier soup, substitute half of the tomato sauce with diced canned tomatoes.
• Broth: Use water with added herbs or bouillon cubes if broth is unavailable; just adjust salt accordingly.

What I Learned Testing

During several test runs of this Easy Tomato Soup, I discovered a few key insights that enhanced the final outcome:

• Simmering the soup gently rather than boiling preserves the bright, fresh tomato flavor without bitterness.
• Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle, so it’s best to stir it in at the end over low heat.
• Using broth instead of water builds a richer base and elevates the soup’s taste significantly.
• Optional blending really takes the texture to the next level, especially if serving to kids or guests who prefer a smoother soup.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This Easy Tomato Soup stores beautifully for busy weeks:

• Refrigerate: Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave out the cream if freezing, and add fresh cream when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the cream. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Popular Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?

Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to cook down fresh tomatoes longer to achieve a concentrated flavor and smooth texture. Using canned tomato sauce keeps this recipe quick and convenient without sacrificing taste.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep the soup fully plant-based and delicious.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika during the simmering stage. These spices add warmth without overpowering the tomato’s natural sweetness.

What’s a great side to serve with Easy Tomato Soup?

Nothing beats a warm sandwich, and the Rustic Tomato Fig Jam Grilled Cheese pairs beautifully. You might also enjoy crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even One Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Mushrooms for a tomato-themed meal.

Explore More

• One Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Mushrooms – a quick and flavorful pasta dish that complements tomato soup perfectly.
• Rustic Tomato Fig Jam Grilled Cheese – a sweet and savory sandwich ideal for dipping into your tomato soup.

Ready, Set, Cook

Grab your ingredients and kitchen tools, and let’s get cooking this Easy Tomato Soup! It’s a recipe that delivers comfort, speed, and flavor all in one pot. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave something soothing and delicious. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a bowl of pure tomato bliss.

Tomato soup doesn’t have to be complicated. With this recipe, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful bowl anytime without fuss or fancy ingredients. It’s a simple way to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table, proving that sometimes the easiest recipes are the best. Happy cooking!

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