Simple Tomato Soup Recipe | Easy Wholesome (2024)

Gluten-free

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

What can I put in tomato soup to make it 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

Does tomato soup taste better with water or milk? ›

A soup made with milk is usually richer and more luxurious than one made with just water or stock. This addition helps make the soup feel more comforting. Adding milk or cream to a soup can balance contrasting tastes and help ingredients that don't typically mesh blend seamlessly.

Why do you put baking soda in tomato soup? ›

- Adding baking soda to tomato soup and tomato sauces helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomato flavors really shine, and your sauce or soup will not curdle if you add milk. - Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato sauce or soup will make flavors sparkle and become less acidic.

What takes the bitterness out of tomato soup? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

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.

Which canned tomatoes are best for soup? ›

Crushed tomatoes walk the line between smooth purees and chunkier diced tomatoes. We use them in quick-cooking sauces and soups where their sweet, bright flavor can shine. Our highest-ranking crushed tomatoes were chunky, with relatively few pieces of unpleasant, plasticky skin left in.

How to thicken up tomato soup? ›

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.

Do you take skin off tomatoes before making soup? ›

You will want to peel your tomatoes any time you're looking for a completely smooth texture – preparing a hot soup or stew or tomato sauce, for example. A lot of this comes down to preference, though. You do not need to peel your tomatoes if you don't mind the skins.

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 happens when milk is added to 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.

What's the difference between creamy tomato soup and tomato soup? ›

But what about cream of tomato soup? Any “cream of” soup, tomato included, is pureed like a normal soup but then goes through a “creaming” process, wherein cream is added to the mixture. Cream of tomato soup is actually cooked at a much lower temperature than normal tomato soup.

How to make tomato soup taste better? ›

Mix-ins and additions
  1. Top the finished bowls off with a bit of fresh grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
  2. Add about ½ can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier soup.
  3. Try all half and half instead of half cream and half milk.
  4. Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for some kick.
Jan 27, 2023

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.

What is good in tomato soup? ›

These toppings add just the right amount of coolness to a piping-hot bowl of soup.
  • Cheese.
  • Avocado.
  • Sour Cream.
  • Pace® Salsa.
  • Jalapeños.

What can I add to my soup to make it tastier? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

What enhances tomato Flavour? ›

Well, if you really want to amp up the taste of your tomatoes, cream of tartar is your answer. Yes, there are other ways to make your tomatoes taste even better and increase the acidity. There is lemon, vinegar, or my personal favorite, balsamic.

How do you balance tomato flavor in soup? ›

Balance with herbs and spices

Herbs and spices can do wonders to balance the acidity in tomato soup. Consider adding a sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavors and mask any overpowering acidity. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a burst of freshness to your soup.

What can I add to tomato sauce to make it taste better? ›

How to Make Jarred Tomato Sauce Better… And If You Even Should
  1. Start With a Good Jar.
  2. Add Alliums.
  3. Deglaze With Wine.
  4. Season Smartly.
  5. Whisk in Tomato Paste.
  6. Boost the Acidity.
  7. Toss in Olives or Capers.
  8. Add Vegetables.

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