This cozy tomato soup is warm and smooth, perfect for chilly days! Made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a splash of cream, it’s yummy and satisfying.
I love to enjoy it with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! You can whip it up in no time—so easy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable or grapeseed oil instead. I love the taste of olive oil here, but any oil will do.
Onion: A medium onion is key for a sweet base. You can swap with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor. I find that onions give a richer taste to the soup.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes work best, but canned are a great fallback—just make sure they’re whole or diced without added ingredients. I tend to use canned in winter when fresh ones aren’t as sweet.
Broth: You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference—both add depth to the soup. Homemade broth always makes a difference if you have it!
Cream or Coconut Milk: This makes the soup creamy. If you want to keep it lighter, you can leave it out or use almond milk, although it won’t be as rich. Coconut milk adds a nice twist if you love coconut!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Tomato Soup?
Cooking your tomatoes and onions properly is crucial for a delicious soup. Here are some tips:
- Start by sautéing onions in olive oil until translucent to release their sweetness. Don’t shortchange this step!
- Add minced garlic just before the tomatoes for a fragrant base. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it!
- Simmer the mixture well after adding the tomatoes and broth. This helps meld the flavors beautifully, about 20-25 minutes should do the trick.
- To get that creamy texture, blend the soup smoothly. A little cream or coconut milk at the end adds richness, but taste it first—it might be perfect as is!
How to Make Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or canned whole tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Garlic Croutons:
- 2 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tomato soup recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your warm bowl of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your soup.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around and cook for about one more minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, toss in the chopped tomatoes (or canned ones if you’re using them) and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together beautifully.
4. Season to Taste:
If you find the soup a bit tangy, you can add sugar to balance the acidity. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to make it just right for your taste!
5. Blend the Soup:
Carefully puree the soup using an immersion blender until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, you can do this in batches with a regular blender—just be cautious with the hot soup!
6. Add Cream:
For a richer finish, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat the soup gently without bringing it to a boil after adding the cream.
7. Make the Garlic Croutons:
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Then add the cubed bread, tossing it until the bread is golden and crispy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Pour yourself a warm bowl of soup, garnish with fresh basil leaves, add a swirl of cream if you like, and top it with the crispy garlic croutons. Enjoy your cozy meal!
This classic tomato soup is creamy, vibrant, and comforting, perfect for any chilly day. The crispy garlic croutons add a delightful texture and flavor boost. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great substitute, especially if fresh ones aren’t in season. Use whole or diced canned tomatoes to make this soup just as delicious. Just remember to check for any added ingredients!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make this tomato soup vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful!
Can I Freeze Leftover Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze tomato soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
What Should I Serve with Tomato Soup?
This soup is perfect with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. Pairing it with garlic croutons adds a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy soup!
