Easy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

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There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup, especially on a chilly day. Forget the canned stuff – making your own tomato soup is surprisingly easy, and the flavor is out of this world. This recipe will guide you through creating a rich, comforting tomato soup from scratch, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. — Giants Eliminated: San Francisco's Playoff Hopes Dashed

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, but balances the acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh basil, croutons, a swirl of cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious homemade tomato soup:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. For an even richer flavor, simmer for up to an hour.
  4. Blend (Optional): For a smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
  5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or basil to your liking.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Fresh basil, croutons, and a swirl of cream are all excellent choices.

Tips and Variations

  • Roast the Tomatoes: For an even deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.
  • Add Some Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to your tomato soup.
  • Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier soup.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, add them to the soup during the last few minutes of simmering for a burst of fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade tomato soup is delicious on its own, but it's also great with:

  • Grilled cheese sandwiches
  • A side salad
  • Crusty bread for dipping

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is so good because:

  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
  • Easy to Customize: Easily adaptable to your preferences with different toppings and variations.
  • Comforting and Delicious: A classic dish that's perfect for any time of year.

Making homemade tomato soup is a rewarding experience. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Try it this weekend. You won't regret it! — ACIP's Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance