This rich and creamy tomato soup is perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a touch of cream, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Here’s how to make it step-by-step!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic (or more, depending on your taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Optional: Dried thyme, oregano, or any herbs you love
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping up your onion and garlic. A rough chop for the onion and a good smash and mince for the garlic will do. This soup has a great depth of flavor, so proper prep is important!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to soften the onion and allow the natural sugars to break down, enhancing the soup’s flavor. Avoid adding garlic yet as it can burn quickly.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Once your onions are translucent and softened, add the garlic. Stir regularly to prevent burning. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the garlic to become aromatic without turning bitter.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Open your two cans of whole peeled tomatoes and add them to the pot, along with their juice. Stir well to combine. The flavor of canned tomatoes, which are picked at peak freshness, brings out the best in your soup.
Step 5: Add Stock and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable stock (or chicken stock) and stir it all together. Add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors.
Step 6: Add Herbs and Adjust Seasonings
Once the soup has simmered and reduced, you can add dried herbs like thyme or oregano, if you like. Fresh basil can also be added for a more aromatic flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Blend the Soup
For the perfect texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. You can also use a regular blender, but be careful not to over-blend. Over-blending can cause the oil in the soup to turn bitter, so just blend until you get a silky smooth consistency.
Step 8: Add Cream for Richness
Stir in 1 cup of cream to add richness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This will give your soup a smooth, velvety texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls and top with fresh, torn basil for a burst of flavor. Serve with homemade croutons or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete, cozy meal.
This rich and creamy tomato soup is perfect for a cold winter day. Whether you’re snowed in or just craving something comforting, this soup is the answer. Enjoy the warmth, the creaminess, and the flavors that come together to make the perfect bowl of soup!
