There’s something about this creamy tomato soup that just works—here’s why: it’s the ultimate reassurance on a chilly day, coaxing everyone to the kitchen with its warm, earthy aroma. Picture me, after a long day wrangling the kids out of school and through homework, finally sitting down with a steaming bowl of this creamy delight. It’s quick, satisfying, and the kids love it—seriously, every spoonful is like a cozy hug.
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house: first, it’s incredibly simple to whip up! In just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of gently simmering, you can serve up a soul-soothing dish that brightens even the dreariest days. Second, its flavors come from everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand—diced tomatoes, broth, and a hint of cream—making it a low-stress meal option for busy families. Lastly, this creamy tomato soup pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich, turning an ordinary weeknight dinner into a special occasion that makes my kids smile, and let’s be honest, we all need a bit of that joy every now and then!
Ingredients List
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 can tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient Swaps
The beauty of this creamy tomato soup is how flexible it can be. If you’re out of heavy cream, try substituting with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. I’ve even used crushed tomatoes instead of diced when I was in a pinch, and you know what? It turned out just as delicious! For an added kick, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or herbs like basil or oregano. You can also exchange the vegetable broth for chicken broth if that’s what you have available. This way, you can keep it family-friendly while giving it your own personal touch!
Creamy Tomato Soup
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Tomato Base
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can tomato paste
Creamy Elements
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Return the smooth soup to the saucepan, stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
How to Make creamy tomato soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. My son, Mateo, always comes sneaking in during this part; he loves the smell as it wafts through the kitchen!
Step 2: Bring in the Tomatoes
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Give it all a good stir and then bring it to a gentle simmer. This is when the magic begins; the flavor starts coming alive.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the lovely flavors to meld together. I often find myself peeking in to take little taste tests—any excuse to savor that comforting flavor!
Step 4: Blend Away
Once it’s had some time to cook, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, no worries! Just carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Just be cautious with hot liquids—no one wants a kitchen mess!
Step 5: Add the Cream
Return the smooth soup to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer it for an additional 5 minutes. Trust me; it’s hard to resist the urge to dip bread right in the pot at this point!
Step 6: Serve With Love
Serve warm, and if you’re feeling a bit fancy, garnish with fresh basil. My daughter, Camila, insists on adding a big sprinkle of cheese on top of hers!
Serving & Garnish
When it comes to serving this delicious creamy tomato soup, I love to pair it with simple grilled cheese sandwiches or crunchy garlic bread—because who can resist that iconic combo? My kids enjoy making their own sandwiches, which adds a fun family touch, and our dinner table becomes the hub of chatter. A little sprinkle of fresh basil or even some croutons on top can elevate the dish, making it just a tad more special for those cozy nights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the simmering step! It’s crucial for those flavors to develop.
- If you blend too early before it has simmered, the flavors remain flat.
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can make a big difference and suit individual preferences, especially with the kids!
- Avoid rushing the blending process—doing it gently ensures smoothness.
- If you find it too acidic after blending, a touch more sugar can balance the soup beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
This creamy tomato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just place it in an airtight container and it will be ready for another comforting meal. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, and feel free to add a splash more cream for that extra richness. If you want to keep it longer, it can also be frozen! Just make sure to let it cool completely first before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Samantha Shares
I remember the first time I made this creamy tomato soup after we’d moved to our new home in San Diego. It was a chilly night, and both Mateo and Camila piled onto the couch, wrapped in their favorite throw blankets, with not a care in the world except for their dinner. Making this dish brought an instant warmth to the room, filled with laughter and my kids’ occasional giggles as they argued over who could finish their bowls first. Now, it’s a staple in our house that helps create such fond memories.
FAQs
What is the best type of tomatoes to use for creamy tomato soup?
Using canned diced tomatoes works perfectly for a balanced flavor, and the added tomato paste enhances the richness of the soup.
Can I make a tomato-based creamy appetizer from this soup?
Absolutely! Just adjust the consistency to thicker and serve it in small cups or shot glasses as a delicious starter for any gathering.
What can I pair with creamy tomato soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, but you could also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or crispy garlic bread.
How can I make creamy tomato soup dairy-free?
Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or plant-based cream alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
Can this soup be made ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier for your next meal.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
