Imagine a soup so luxuriously smooth and packed with flavor that it turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Creamy Tomato Thyme Soup is not just another recipe – it's a warm embrace in a bowl, combining the rich, tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic elegance of fresh thyme and the velvety richness of cream. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a soul-warming dish, this Italian-inspired soup promises to elevate your home cooking and transport your taste buds to a rustic Mediterranean kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, salt and pepper to taste, and olive oil for sautéing.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the sautéed onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the fresh thyme to the pot. If using dried thyme, you can use about 1 teaspoon instead. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- After simmering, reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy texture.
- Continue to heat the soup on low for an additional 5 minutes, but do not allow it to boil after adding the cream.
- Once the soup is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Remove the pot from the heat. If desired, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smoother consistency, or leave it chunky for a heartier texture.
- Serve the creamy tomato thyme soup hot, garnished with additional thyme leaves or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use fresh thyme if possible – it makes a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it can quickly turn bitter and ruin the soup's delicate taste.
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- The soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
- For added depth, consider roasting the tomatoes and onions before adding them to the pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
