Tomato soup is a timeless classic-warm, comforting, and bursting with rich tomato flavor. Making it from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! Whether you have fresh tomatoes or canned ones, this guide will walk you through creating a delicious, creamy tomato soup that beats any store-bought version.
Why Make Tomato Soup from Scratch?
– Freshness & Flavor: Homemade soup tastes brighter and richer.
– Control Ingredients: Skip preservatives and adjust seasoning to your liking.
– Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy meals, especially paired with grilled cheese.
– Customizable: Add cream, herbs, or spice it up however you want.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a simple list to get started. Quantities can be adjusted based on how many servings you want.
– Fresh tomatoes: About 3 pounds (roughly 6-8 medium tomatoes) or use quality canned whole tomatoes.
– Onion: 1 medium, diced.
– Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced.
– Olive oil or butter: For sautéing.
– Broth: 2 to 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth.
– Herbs: Fresh basil or dried Italian seasoning.
– Salt & pepper: To taste.
– Optional: Heavy cream or a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
– Optional thickener: Flour or white beans (for a creamy texture without cream).
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tomato Soup from Scratch
1. Prepare Your Tomatoes
If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into chunks. For roasting, toss tomatoes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 450°F for about 30 minutes until they develop a slight char. Roasting deepens the flavor and adds a smoky note.
If using canned tomatoes, choose whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 5-10 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Build the Soup Base
Add your roasted or canned tomatoes to the pot along with the broth. Stir in herbs like basil or Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup, then stir it back in.
5. Add Creaminess & Thicken (Optional)
For a richer soup, stir in ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk. If you want a thicker texture without cream, you can whisk in a roux made from butter and flour cooked together, or blend in some cooked white beans for natural creaminess.
6. Taste & Adjust
Give your soup a final taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic. Warm through and it’s ready to serve!
Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
– Use a non-reactive pot like stainless steel or enamel-coated to avoid metallic flavors.
– Roasting tomatoes enhances sweetness and depth.
– Fresh herbs like basil added at the end brighten the soup.
– Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic-they build the flavor foundation.
– Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
– For vegan or lighter versions, skip cream and use vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato soup is fantastic on its own or paired with:
– Grilled cheese sandwiches
– Croutons or toasted bread
– Fresh basil or parsley garnish
– A drizzle of olive oil or cream
– Crispy bacon bits for a savory touch
Making tomato soup from scratch is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a warm bowl of homemade goodness ready in under an hour. Enjoy!