Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (2024)

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Created On: &nbsp|Updated: | 60 Comments

This simple tomato soup recipe will become your go-to for a fast and delicious meal. With fresh or canned tomatoes, this soup can be on the table in less than 30 minutes and the flavor is incredible! You’ll never go back to canned stuff after you try this easy homemade tomato soup. With paleo and vegan options.

For a while there, I saw tomato soup recipes on a bunch of different blogs and I couldn’t wait to make it, but I put it off. I’m telling you now. Do not put it off!

Put down the can of tomato soup and just get some canned tomatoes, I promise you’ll be much happier.

And much fuller since you won’t feel bad about eating a whole recipe, or maybe just half, of this easy tomato soup. And then you won’t be dehydrated either because honestly, the sodium in any canned soup is crazy!

Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (1)

So this can go two different ways. You can use oil and leave out the milk for a totally delicious vegan and paleo version, which is how we prefer it. Or you can add a splash of milk (or cream!) to your bowl and stir it in for a creamy tomato soup that’s 1,000x better than anything you had as a kid.

Either way, I’m guaranteeing it’s awesome, not to mention pretty fast to make. And did I mention simple?

You’ll probably want to add 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener, depending on your tomatoes and how sweet they are. One teaspoon was just enough for me, but you may want more or less!

By the way, if you’re vegan, I recommend checking out this delicious vegan tortilla soup. This vegan pasta fa*gioli also looks great!

Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (2)

If you’re serving this tomato soup to guests, you’ll probably want to chop up the basil a bit (or a lot!) nicer than I did. Here’s how to cut basil chiffonade. I kind of just hacked at it. Whoops. 😀

Also, if you want something a little more complex, try myRoasted Tomato and Garlic Soup. ThisCheesy Tomato Soup is also delicious and almost as easy as the simple tomato soup recipe below.

And one last note, if you wanted to make a large quantity of this and freeze it (without dairy products of course) it tastes just as delicious thawed, and it’s a great way to have a quick meal on hand.

I always do this as the yield isn’t huge, and the leftovers are awesome!

Want to use your Instant Pot? Try thisInstant Pot Tomato Soup! It looks great and is super easy.

I hope you’ll enjoy this simple tomato soup! If you make it, I’d love for you to comment below. Thanks!

Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (3)

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Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for vegan / paleo
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 32 oz (946 ml) can of tomatoes (pureed, diced or whole, or 4 cups of peeled fresh tomatoes)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth for vegan
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or sugar (sugar for vegan / honey for paleo)
  • Whole milk or cream to serve if desired (about 2-4 tbsp per serving depending on how you like it) - omit for paleo / vegan

Instructions

  • In a small to medium pot, melt the butter (or the oil) over medium heat. If you have no way to blend your soup once cooked, finely chop your onion and very finely mince your garlic, otherwise, just slice it to saute it quickly.

  • Add the onion to the pot, stir well and saute for 5-6 minutes before adding the garlic. Again, stir well and saute for 2-3 minutes.

  • Add the tomatoes, broth, baking soda, parsley, bay leaf and salt and pepper. Bring up to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes or so over medium-low heat. The baking soda will foam up and help neutralize the acids from the canned tomatoes and you won't taste it at all.

  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup and puree. I use my immersion blender, but you can also transfer the soup to a blender to blend it until smooth, or if you chopped your onions and garlic finely enough and used tomato puree you can omit this step for a soup that isn't as smooth. Once blended, stir in the honey or other sweetener you have on hand and fresh basil and check for seasonings, adding salt as needed. Serve while hot with a splash of milk or cream if desired.

Tried this recipe?Tag me today! Mention @easywholesome or tag #easywholesome!

Pictures updated October 2019. Here’s one of the old pictures!

Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (4)

Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (2024)

FAQs

How to make plain tomato soup better? ›

Use Herbs and Seasonings

Add chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking to bring out that rich tomato flavor. Turn to your pantry for seasonings like fresh cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning or oregano, stirring them in while the soup is still cooking.

Can you give me the recipe for tomato soup? ›

Gather all ingredients. Combine tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic cloves, and a large slice of onion in a stockpot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and gently simmer for about 20 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and run the mixture through a food mill into a large bowl, or pan.

Does tomato soup taste better with water or milk? ›

Is tomato soup better with milk or water? Tomato soup is better with milk because it makes it creamier.

Why do you put baking soda in tomato soup? ›

A small pinch of baking soda can help balance the pH levels and reduce the overall acidity. This can result in a milder and less tangy flavor, making the soup taste better! Also, if you want a tomato cream soup- it'll help prevent the milk from curdling when added!

What makes tomato soup taste better? ›

10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
  1. 1) Fresh Rosemary. Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. ...
  2. 2) Sauteed Onions. ...
  3. 3) Crispy Bacon. ...
  4. 4) Cream. ...
  5. 5) Chutney. ...
  6. 6) Melted Cheese. ...
  7. 7) Tinned Anchovies. ...
  8. 8) Toasted Pine Nuts.
Mar 21, 2022

What takes the bitterness out of tomato soup? ›

Heat 1 cup of sauce with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (baking soda neutralizes acidity). Taste the sauce and add tiny amounts of baking soda to see if it mellows the acidity. If there is still an edge, swirl in a teaspoon of butter, letting it melt until creamy. Usually this does the job.

What type of tomato is best for tomato soup? ›

What tomatoes are best for homemade tomato soup? I like to use plum or roma tomatoes for homemade tomato soup because they have the best flavor when roasted. I recommend using garden fresh or organic to keep the soup as flavorful as possible!

Do you take skin off tomatoes before making soup? ›

If you've ever made a tomato soup and fished out some tomato skin, you know it's not always the most appealing texture. Sometimes, you want the smoothest, silkiest texture for a sauce or soup possible, and for those cases, it is ideal to use peeled tomatoes.

Which canned tomatoes are best for soup? ›

This variety of tomato is most often associated with Italian tomato sauces, but they work well in pretty much anything you might need tomatoes for, like soups, chili and curries. D.O.P. and "San Marzano" are the two most readily available kinds of whole peeled tomatoes in grocery stores.

Why does my tomato soup taste bland? ›

If the soup tastes bland at all, a bit more salt will do the trick, that doesn't just apply to this tomato soup recipe but just about anything you'll ever find yourself cooking.

What makes tomato soup thicker? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

Why does my milk always curdle in tomato soup? ›

Tomatoes are very acidic and milk or cream is added to them, curdling can occur. Curdling will be more likely to happen when the ratio of acid to cream increases or when mixing a cold and hot mixture. To thwart the curdling tendency, changing procedures will render a smooth tomato soup.

Why put sugar in tomato soup? ›

Particularly for soups made with tomato bases, a pinch or two of sugar can help round out any flavors that taste a bit too sour or bitter recommends Le Cordon Bleu. Of course, as with any recipe, it can be helpful to taste and adjust as you go, so your soup doesn't end up too sweet to serve.

How do you add depth to tomato soup? ›

Try making a quick cioppino by adding fresh crab, garlic, and fresh herbs to prepared tomato soup. Have some celery or fennel? Add that in too! Another quick way to add a ton of depth to your bowl is with a drizzle of flavored oil.

How to add more flavor to tomato soup? ›

Roast the onions and garlic before adding the tomato base can enhance the flavor, and adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil can also provide depth. You can experiment with adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

How to fix bland tomato soup? ›

Add a small spoonful of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Season with salt in all of the steps (starting with the sauteed onions). This ensures your tomato soup is never bland.

How to add depth of flavor to tomato soup? ›

Olive oil and butter – They create the soup's rich base. To make this recipe dairy-free, feel free to use additional olive oil instead of the butter. Carrots, onion, and garlic – These aromatic veggies give the soup savory depth of flavor. Balsamic vinegar – It adds sweetness and tang.

How do you make plain tomato sauce taste better? ›

Pungent fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and marjoram can liven up tomato sauce with their bold, distinctive flavors. Add 1 to 2 sprigs of one or more of them to your favorite sauce, cover, and simmer at least 5 minutes to allow them to infuse in the sauce. Remove the sprigs before serving.

How do you make plain soup taste better? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

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