Imagine a velvety, rich tomato soup that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Easy Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup is not just a recipe – it's a warm hug in a bowl that will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with every spoonful. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a soul-warming meal, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Also, prepare fresh basil for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become aromatic but not browned.
- Pour in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add the 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This will help develop the flavors of the soup.
- After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing thoroughly. Allow the soup to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Do not bring it to a boil after adding the cream to maintain its creamy texture.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. If desired, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Once the soup is heated and seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat. Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use San Marzano or high-quality canned diced tomatoes for the most robust flavor.
- Sauté Technique: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic. This builds a deep, rich flavor base for your soup.
- Blending Hack: If using a standard blender, blend the soup in small batches and remove the center cap to allow steam to escape, preventing potential explosive situations.
- Cream Control: Add cream at the end and avoid boiling to maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a sprinkle of dried oregano for extra depth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. It often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- Garnish Creatively: While fresh basil is classic, try topping with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg