Name: Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion, about 1 cup, minced; 1 cup leek, chopped; 1 can peeled plum tomatoes (14-ounce/400 milliliters); 2 cups vegetable stock; 2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons dried basil; ½ cup half and half; fresh basil for garnish, optional; croutons for garnish, optional

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Creamy Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with the taste of fresh tomatoes, complemented by the delightful aroma of basil. This isn’t just a regular soup; it has depth, a touch of sweetness, and perfect creaminess that makes every spoonful feel like a comforting hug. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy day or seeking a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers wonderfully.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup

I remember the first time I attempted to make this creamy tomato soup. It was a chilly evening, and I craved something comforting yet quick to prepare. Flipping through my cookbooks, I stumbled upon a simple recipe that promised a bowl of pure satisfaction. Little did I know, this would become a staple in my kitchen. Fast forward to today, and it’s a dish I share with friends and family, each of them falling in love with the warm, rich flavors. There’s something magical about this soup that beckons you to make it over and over again. I invite you to experience the joy of this Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe; you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a delicious bowl in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, tangy tomatoes paired with creamy half and half create a heavenly contrast.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant color and fragrant aroma make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Serve it as a cozy lunch, a light dinner, or even as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable; you can keep it vegetarian or dairy-free with simple substitutions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor. You can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
1 onion (about 1 cup, minced): This adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile. Yellow or white onions work best.
1 cup leek, chopped: Leeks impart a gentle onion flavor. If unavailable, use extra onion or shallots.
1 can peeled plum tomatoes (14-ounce/400 milliliters): Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use fresh tomatoes in season, just peel and chop them.
2 cups vegetable stock: A flavorful base is crucial here. Feel free to use homemade or low-sodium store-bought stock.
2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste: This enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness. Regular tomato paste can also work but is less concentrated.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick. Adjust according to your taste preference.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors. Start with less and add after tasting.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes. You can swap it out for honey or agave nectar if desired.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Adds an aromatic freshness. Fresh basil can be used, just double the amount.
½ cup half and half: This gives the soup its creamy texture. You can use heavy cream for a richer version or opt for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A delightful finishing touch!
Croutons for garnish (optional): They add a nice crunch and texture.

How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Melt the butter: In a medium pot (2 quart/2 liter), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The butter should shimmer but not brown.

Sauté the aromatics: Add 1 cup of minced onion and 1 cup of chopped leek. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for your delicious soup.

Combine ingredients: Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in 1 can of peeled plum tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable stock, 2 tablespoons of double-concentrated tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of dried basil. Crush the tomatoes lightly with your spatula to release their juices, then cover the pot and bring to a boil.

Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You might notice the soup bubbling gently and the aroma filling your space—this is the magic happening!

Add cream: After simmering, add ½ cup of half and half to the pot and bring it back to a gentle boil. This is where the creamy texture comes to life, transforming your soup into a comforting bowl of goodness.

Purée the soup: Turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Just remember to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid any splatters.

Taste and season: Taste your soup and adjust any seasoning as needed. If you want a little more sweetness or saltiness, go ahead and add more according to your taste.

Serve: Ladle your creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and crunchy croutons if desired. Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you have more than you can eat, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through—about 10 to 15 minutes. If the texture seems a bit thick after freezing, stir in a little vegetable stock or water to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the onion and leek; you want them soft but not browned, as that can change the flavor profile.
Don’t skip the brown sugar! It balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve a small portion of the tomatoes before puréeing. Stir them back in after blending.
Try experimenting with herbs—fresh oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes can build on the flavor.
Make ahead and let it sit; the flavors develop even more the next day!

Indulging in a bowl of creamy tomato soup is more than just satisfying a craving; it’s about creating a moment of joy that you can share with others. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a starter for a gathering. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a timeless favorite! Ready to get cooking? You won’t regret trying this Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe. Enjoy every hearty spoonful!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh tomatoes, roughly 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes should work well. Be sure to blanch and peel them first to get the best texture and flavor in your soup.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace the half and half with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture without using dairy.

What can I serve with tomato soup?

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing that never goes out of style. You can also go for a side salad or some crunchy garlic bread. Both complement the soup beautifully!

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Just remember to allow some room for expansion as it freezes. Reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth to restore its creamy consistency when ready to serve.