Easy Tomato Soup

Oh man, there’s just something about a warm bowl of tomato soup that feels like a hug on a chilly day. I mean, it’s comforting and honestly super simple to whip up, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz. The smell of tomatoes and garlic simmering away is enough to make anyone forget about the world outside. Picture this: a rich, velvety soup that tastes like a summer garden, even in the depths of winter. It’s just… well, it’s just heartwarming, you know?

Why You’ll Crave It

• Perfect for lunch or dinner, and it takes hardly any time to make!
• You can use fresh or canned tomatoes—whatever is handy.
• It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies—if you’re into that.
• The leftovers taste even better the next day (if there are any left, that is).
• Plus, it pairs beautifully with grilled cheese, which is a classic combo!

I swear, my family fights over the last drop of this soup… it’s that good.

What You’ll Need

• Tomatoes: 2 pounds of the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find, chopped
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced finely, you want it to melt in
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—trust me, don’t skip this part
• Vegetable broth: 4 cups; feel free to use chicken broth if you’re not vegan
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for those lovely sautéed flavors
• Salt and pepper: to taste—don’t be shy
• Basil: a handful of fresh basil leaves to garnish, because why not?

Easy How-To

Prep the Good Stuff

So, first things first—gather all your ingredients together… makes life easier, right? You want those tomatoes ripe and juicy. If you are using canned tomatoes, go for whole or crushed—both work like a charm. It’s all about flavor, folks!

Sauté the Aromatics

Grab a big pot and heat your olive oil on medium. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes or so. Just keep an eye on them… you don’t want them to brown too much, just a gentle stir here and there.

Tomatoes In!

Alright, let’s get those tomatoes in the pot! Whether chopped fresh or canned, just add them right in. If you’re using whole tomatoes, break ‘em up with a spoon. Stir everything together so the flavors can mingle. It already smells incredible, doesn’t it?

Season It Up

Now, sprinkle in some salt and pepper… maybe a pinch of dried oregano if you’re feeling adventurous. Let those spices talk to your tomatoes for a few minutes. It’s all about building that flavor!

Broth Time

Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth… oh, it should look nice and soupy now. You can adjust how much broth you use based on how thick you want it. Just give it a good stir and let it all come together.

Let It Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This part? So important. You’re letting those flavors really deepen and get cozy together!

Blend It Smooth

Once it’s been bubbling away, grab an immersion blender and blend until it’s all smooth and silky. If you don’t have one, no big deal. Just ladle the soup into a stand blender in batches—but be careful, hot soup can be a bit tricky!

Final Touches

If it’s a bit too thick, just stir in a splash more broth. Taste it, and adjust your salt and pepper, because every tomato is different, right?

Serve It Up

Dishing it out is the best part! Ladle the soup into bowls and if you want, drizzle a little olive oil on top or throw in some fresh basil. You could even add croutons for that lovely crunchy contrast. Enjoy!

Good to Know

• Mixing and matching tomato varieties can kick the flavor up a notch—heirloom tomatoes are divine!
• If you’re in a creamy mood, whip in a bit of heavy cream right before serving. Oh, that’s a treat!
• This soup stores well. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days—or freeze it for a nice little convenience later.

Serving Ideas

• A classic grilled cheese on the side is always a good move—so nostalgic!

Top Tricks

• For added depth, toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers while sautéing the onion and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Oh yes, absolutely! Canned tomatoes are great in this recipe and save a bit of prep time while still tasting amazing.

How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?

It’ll be good for about three days in an airtight container. Trust me, you’ll want to keep it around!

Can I freeze the soup?

Sure can! Just let it cool first and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should be fine for up to three months.

What can I serve with tomato soup?

Grilled cheese is a classic, but honestly, crusty bread or a light salad works wonders too.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach could make a lovely addition.

Conclusion

So, that’s it! This easy tomato soup is not just comforting but flexible enough to adapt to your taste. It’s become a staple in my home, and I think it’ll find its way into yours, too. Give it a try, cozy up, and enjoy every warm spoonful.

More recipes suggestions and combinations

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Combine it with a gooey grilled cheese for that classic, cozy meal that just hits the spot.

Fresh Basil Pesto

A swirl of fresh basil pesto can really elevate the soup, trust me—it’s like summer in a bowl.

Croutons

Crunchy croutons are perfect for adding some texture to that creamy bowl of goodness.

Avocado Toast

Try a slice of avocado toast on the side, because let’s be real, who doesn’t love avocado?

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan is like a warm hug on top—so rich, so good.

Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas on top add protein and a satisfying crunch. Go for it!

Vegetable Garnish

A sprinkle of finely chopped bell peppers or carrots on top just adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients.