There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of tomato soup that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and love. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for a classic tomato soup that’s bursting with the flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and zesty garlic. It’s the perfect comfort food for any season!
Tomato Soup Recipe
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ripe, fresh tomatoes (about 6-8 medium tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream (for a creamier soup)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Start by preparing your tomatoes. Cut them in half and remove the cores. Don’t worry about peeling them – the skins add extra flavor and nutrients!
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins – the aroma of sautéing onions always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can become bitter.
- Toss in your fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices.
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are very soft and starting to break down.
- Remove the bay leaf and add the fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend it in batches in a regular blender.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’d like a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting your tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the pot. It intensifies their sweetness and adds a subtle smoky note to the soup.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Ladle your beautiful, vibrant soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. The contrast of the bright green basil against the rich red soup is not only visually appealing but adds a wonderful fresh aroma.
For a complete meal, serve your tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. The combination is classic for a reason – it’s simply irresistible! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try it with some homemade garlic croutons for a delightful crunch.
So, grab your apron and get ready to create some kitchen magic. Your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you) will thank you!
Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your tomato soup creations with us in the comments below!
