Description
A comforting and easy-to-make homemade tomato soup that combines fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This recipe can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes and offers an optional creamy finish with heavy cream. Perfect as a warming appetizer or light meal, garnished with fresh basil for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Optional Additions
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and release a fragrant aroma, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes into the pot. Stir in dried basil, dried thyme, and sugar. Allow the mixture to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to break down into a sauce-like consistency.
- Add broth and season: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then season with salt and black pepper according to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook gently for another 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier consistency, blend only part of the soup to retain some tomato pieces.
- Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream if you desire a richer and creamier soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned whole tomatoes for convenience without losing flavor.
- For a vegan or dairy-free option, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the sugar to balance acidity depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Use an immersion blender to avoid transferring hot soup and ensure easy cleanup.
