Description
Homemade Tomato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and a touch of cream for velvety smoothness. Perfect for chilly nights or as a light lunch, this soup is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and much healthier than store-bought versions. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a meal that warms both your body and soul.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to release their natural juices. - Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. - Blend the Soup:
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, then return it to the pot. - Season and Add Cream:
Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and heavy cream or whole milk. Mix well and heat gently, but avoid boiling to prevent the cream from curdling. - Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
Notes
- Tomato Choice: Use ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, substitute with canned whole tomatoes (28 ounces).
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the cream) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add the cream after reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American