Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Crafting a delicious homemade tomato soup can turn an ordinary meal into a comforting culinary adventure.

Ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes become the star of this simple yet elegant dish.

Memories of childhood kitchens drift through the air as robust flavors blend seamlessly.

Fresh herbs and a touch of cream add depth to each spoonful.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe shine with natural goodness.

Warm bowls invite relaxation and pure satisfaction.

Savor every moment and let this soup become your new favorite comfort food.

Homemade Tomato Soup That Warms Your Soul

  • Craft with Ease: This homemade tomato soup requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
  • Quick Family Comfort: Prepare a nourishing meal in under an hour that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, classic flavors.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Transform the basic recipe by adding personal touches like cream, croutons, or extra herbs to suit individual preferences and create a unique dining experience.
  • Pantry-Friendly Delight: Most ingredients are common kitchen staples, allowing you to create a delicious soup without complicated shopping trips or expensive components.

What Goes Into Homemade Tomato Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes form the core flavor base of this comforting homemade soup.
  • Vegetable Stock: Provides a rich liquid foundation that enhances the overall depth of the soup.
  • Butter and Olive Oil: These fats create a smooth, rich texture and help develop deep flavors.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Basil: Fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal note to the finished soup.
  • Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the tomato's natural taste.
Thickening Agent:
  • Flour: Helps to slightly thicken the soup and create a smoother, more luxurious texture.

How To Make Homemade Tomato Soup From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Tomato Base

Grab fresh, ripe tomatoes and chop them into rough chunks. Transfer the chopped tomatoes to a large cooking pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm a separate pan with butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add these ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook onions until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Create Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour into the pan with sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, golden base that will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer Soup

Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture into the pot with tomatoes. Add these ingredients:
  • Vegetable stock
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Blend to Silky Smoothness

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy. Work carefully to avoid splatters.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to integrate herb flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.

Top Tips For Homemade Tomato Soup

  • Swap canned tomatoes for fresh ripe ones during peak summer season for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting vegetable stock quantity – less stock creates a thicker consistency, more stock makes it lighter.
  • Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture that works well for dairy-loving or vegan preferences.
  • Balance acidity by adding a pinch of sugar or a small amount of baking soda to neutralize tomato's sharp taste and enhance overall smoothness.
  • Consider roasting tomatoes and vegetables beforehand to develop deeper, more caramelized flavor profiles before blending into the soup.

Variations To Try With Homemade Tomato Soup

  • Roasted Pepper Tomato Soup: Replace some tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a smoky, deep flavor profile that adds complexity to the classic recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herb Tomato Soup: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine to create an herb-infused version with Mediterranean countryside inspiration.
  • Creamy Coconut Tomato Soup: Swap vegetable stock with coconut milk and add a pinch of curry powder for a rich, tropical-inspired soup with subtle warmth.
  • Spicy Mexican Style Soup: Mix in diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and top with crispy tortilla strips for a zesty, bold southwestern transformation.

Pairing Ideas For Homemade Tomato Soup

  • Savor Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a fresh baguette, toast until golden, and rub with garlic for a perfect crunchy companion that complements the soup's smooth texture.
  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay with subtle citrus notes to balance the tomato's acidity and enhance the soup's rich flavors.
  • Match with Fresh Goat Cheese Salad: Create a light green salad topped with crumbled goat cheese, which adds a tangy contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
  • Enjoy Parmesan Crisps: Bake thin Parmesan cheese rounds until crispy, providing a salty, crunchy element that elevates the soup's creamy consistency.

Storage Instructions For Homemade Tomato Soup

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable stock if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs About Homemade Tomato Soup

  • Why use both butter and olive oil?

The combination adds rich flavor and helps prevent butter from burning, creating a more complex taste profile for the soup.

  • Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned whole or diced tomatoes work perfectly, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Just drain excess liquid before adding.

  • How do I make the soup creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or blend in some cream cheese at the end for a richer, smoother texture. You can also stir in some milk or half-and-half.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the soup.

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Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Homemade Tomato Soup delivers comfort with each spoonful of rich, velvety goodness. Roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs create a deeply satisfying meal you can savor with crusty bread and warm memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) fresh tomatoes
  • 4 cups (946 ml) vegetable stock
  • 1/2 onion, diced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Place chopped tomatoes in a large pot, preparing for a hearty soup preparation.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a separate pan over medium temperature (around 350°F), gently sautéing diced onions until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic to the onion mixture, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence for about 60 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour into the pan, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent any lumps from forming, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the onion-garlic mixture into the tomato pot, combining with vegetable stock, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and develop for 25 minutes.
  7. Utilize an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the soup until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  8. Incorporate fresh basil leaves, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, and let the soup simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with extra basil leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by roasting tomatoes beforehand for deeper, caramelized taste that intensifies natural sweetness.
  • Customize soup consistency by adjusting vegetable stock amount, creating thicker or thinner texture based on personal preference.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch alternative to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising creamy texture.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness and smoothness, perfect for creamy soup lovers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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