Are you craving a warm, velvety soup that can be whipped up faster than you can say "delicious"? Look no further! This Quick and Easy Homemade Tomato Soup is about to become your new culinary secret weapon. Imagine transforming simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking, "Who's the chef?" Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone who just loves a good bowl of comfort, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream (if desired).
- In a large pot or saucepan, 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 the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, followed by the 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the teaspoon of sugar, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- If you are using heavy cream, stir it into the blended soup at this stage to add a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can skip this step.
- Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the tomato soup hot, garnished with the reserved basil. Enjoy with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Tips
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: The key to an exceptional tomato soup is using high-quality crushed tomatoes. Look for brands with rich, deep flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sauté: Take your time caramelizing the onions and garlic. This builds a flavor foundation that elevates the entire soup.
- Balance is Everything: The teaspoon of sugar isn't just a random addition - it helps neutralize the tomatoes' acidity and creates a more rounded taste.
- Blending Techniques: For the smoothest texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a standard blender, blend in small batches and be careful with hot liquids.
- Cream Optional, Flavor Mandatory: The heavy cream adds richness, but if you're watching calories, it's perfectly delicious without it.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil if possible. It adds a bright, aromatic finish that dried herbs can't match.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or crispy croutons for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
