Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tomato Soup is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It is warm, smooth, and deeply comforting, making it perfect for chilly evenings, light lunches, or cozy dinners at home. What makes this version especially appealing is its balance: the tomatoes provide gentle acidity, while the cream softens and rounds out the flavor without overpowering it. I enjoy how this soup feels indulgent yet remains straightforward and approachable. When I first made it, I was surprised by how much depth developed from such simple ingredients once they simmered together. Paired with toasted bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup becomes a complete and satisfying meal. It is reliable, adaptable, and ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
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Creamy Tomato Soup – A Classic Comfort Bowl Made Simple
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A smooth and comforting creamy tomato soup made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream, perfect for cozy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) and blend until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil
Olive oil forms the base of the soup, helping to gently sauté the aromatics and add richness.
Onion
Onion adds natural sweetness and depth, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Garlic
Garlic brings warmth and savory complexity that enhances the tomato base.
Canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and body. They break down easily, resulting in a smooth soup.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness to the overall profile.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth thins the soup while adding savory balance without overwhelming the tomatoes.
Heavy cream
Cream gives the soup its signature velvety texture and mild richness.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and keeps the soup well balanced.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth.
Dried basil
Dried basil reinforces the classic tomato soup flavor.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one to two minutes to deepen its flavor. Add the canned tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender. Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm gently without boiling, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, and total time is around 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding cream to preserve the smooth texture.
Variations and Customizations
This creamy tomato soup is easy to adapt. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream. The result remains smooth and flavorful, with a slightly different richness.
You can add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist or a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat. Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme can replace dried basil for a brighter finish. For extra richness, a small knob of butter stirred in at the end adds depth without heaviness.
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. These adjustments allow you to tailor the soup to your preferences while keeping its comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cook the tomato paste briefly
This step deepens flavor and removes raw tomato taste.
Blend carefully
Blend until fully smooth for the best creamy texture.
Do not boil after adding cream
Gentle heat prevents curdling and preserves richness.
Taste before serving
Adjust salt and sugar to balance acidity.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but they should be peeled and simmered longer for best results.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze before adding cream, then add it after reheating.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cream and vegetable broth.
How do I thicken the soup?
Reduce the broth or simmer longer before blending.
What can I serve with this soup?
Grilled cheese, toasted bread, or crackers pair well.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, grated Parmesan or cheddar can be stirred in before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Soup is a simple, comforting recipe that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Its smooth texture and balanced taste make it a dependable choice for any season, whether enjoyed alone or paired with classic sides.
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