Description
This creamy tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onion, and herbs into a smooth, velvety bowl of warmth. Finished with heavy cream and fresh basil, it’s perfect for cozy nights or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: for sautéing and depth of flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: adds natural sweetness and body
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: provides aromatic richness
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): adds mild heat
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: deepens the tomato flavor
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes: forms the base of the soup
- 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian): adds savory depth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: balances tomato acidity
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste: enhances flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds a mild spice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: creates a creamy, luxurious texture
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn: adds brightness and aroma
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to caramelize slightly.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice. Break them up using a spoon or kitchen shears.
- Add chicken stock, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully blend in batches using a countertop blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in heavy cream and fresh basil, and heat gently until warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
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Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a richer, sweeter soup.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted to make it vegetarian.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Add a pinch of baking soda if the soup is too acidic.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg