This warm and cozy tomato soup is just like Grandma used to make! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with fresh tomato flavor that brings a smile to your face.
Nothing beats the simple joy of a homemade soup! I love to have it with a grilled cheese sandwich – the perfect dip! It’s easy to whip up and reminds me of family dinners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I often prefer using olive oil for a lighter flavor. But butter adds richness, so it really depends on what you like. Both work great for sautéing the onions!
Onion: A medium onion is perfect for building flavor. You can swap in shallots for a milder taste, or use leeks for something unique.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too – just adjust the amount to taste.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are super convenient and taste great. If you use fresh tomatoes, make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor. You might need to peel them first, though!
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth both add depth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, always go for vegetable broth. Homemade broth can make the soup even tastier!
Heavy Cream or Milk: For a creamy soup, heavy cream is ideal, but half-and-half or even whole milk can work too if you’re looking to cut calories. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream!
How Do I Get My Onions to Soften Perfectly?
Cooking onions until they are soft is essential for good flavor in this soup. Start on medium heat, and be patient! If you rush, they may burn. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Heat your oil or butter in a pot on medium heat and add the chopped onions.
- Cook the onions gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they’re translucent.
- If you’re on a time crunch, you can increase the heat slightly but watch them closely to prevent burning.
Softening the onions this way gives your soup a sweet base that makes the whole dish taste so much better!
Grandma’s Classic Homemade Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes or about 6 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious tomato soup from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Begin by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it turns soft and translucent. This step is key in building a flavorful base for your soup! After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its delicious aroma.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Next, pour in the tomatoes along with their juice (if using canned ones) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together nicely to combine. The tomatoes are the star of the show, so make sure they get mixed in well!
3. Season and Simmer:
Now it’s time to add the sugar (if you’re using it), basil, thyme (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This will allow all those lovely flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, it’s time to make the soup smooth and creamy! Use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the heavy cream or milk if you want to add that extra creaminess. Heat the soup through for another 5 minutes, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to enjoy your delicious homemade tomato soup! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or parsley if you like. This soup goes especially well with a grilled cheese sandwich or some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every warm and cozy spoonful!
FAQ for Grandma’s Classic Homemade Tomato Soup
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you opt for fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 6 cups chopped. Just make sure they are ripe for the best flavor. You may want to peel them first for a smoother texture.
Can I Freeze Leftover Tomato Soup?
Yes, you can! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like your soup with a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or dicing a small jalapeño when you sauté the onions. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your preferred heat level!
What Should I Serve With Tomato Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, but you can also enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a gourmet twist, try topping it with croutons or a dollop of pesto!