Description
Classic Tomato Soup is a warm, comforting dish made from crushed tomatoes and a blend of aromatic ingredients. This easy-to-make soup is rich in flavor and can be served creamy with a touch of heavy cream or as a light vegan option without it. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s best enjoyed with fresh basil garnish and pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Blend Soup: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer it in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. This step ensures a creamy consistency.
- Add Cream and Heat Through: Return the soup to the pot if needed, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half if using, and heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes to incorporate the creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired, for a beautiful presentation and added freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream or use a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond cream.
- This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches, making an ideal comfort food combo.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, allowing easy meal prep and storage.
