Easy Tomato Soup Recipe - Preppy Kitchen

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Homemade tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. It's easy to make with just a few basic ingredients and offers a rich, satisfying flavour with every spoonful. Whether you need a quick lunch or an easy dinner, tomato soup is always a reliable choice.

A bowl of tomato soup with fresh basil leaves with a second bowl in the back with torn bread and basil.

There's something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of tomato soup. It brings back memories of cosy kitchen tables and rainy afternoons. The best part? It's straightforward to make, even on a busy day.

All you need are tins of ripe tomatoes, a bit of garlic and onion, and a handful of other kitchen staples. In no time, you'll have a pot of flavorful soup perfect for dunking your favourite bread. Plus, it's versatile—you can enhance it with herbs, spices, or a splash of cream to suit your taste.

What You Need To Make Tomato Soup

Olive oil & Unsalted butter — used for sautéing the vegetables, they add a rich and aromatic flavour to the dish and help brown the onions and carrots.

Onion & Carrot — the combo provides a sweet and savoury base, essential for the soup's depth of flavour, and adds a naturally vibrant colour to the soup.

Garlic cloves — fresh garlic infuses the soup with a robust, fragrant aroma that complements the tomatoes.

Whole peeled tomatoes — the main ingredient, giving the soup its classic, rich tomato taste. Choose a good quality tinned tomato since it's the star of the recipe.

Chicken broth — adds a savoury backbone to the soup, enhancing all the other flavours. You can use chicken stock or water and bouillon if desired.

Sugar (optional) — a small amount balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a richer tomato flavour.

Fresh basil — provides a fresh, herbaceous finish, making the soup more vibrant.

How To Make Tomato Soup

Set of two photos showing onions, carrots, and canned tomatoes added to the pot.

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine the olive oil and butter. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot. Cook with the lid partially covering the pot, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Pour in the canned tomatoes.

Set of two photos showing chicken stock added to the pot and ingredients crushed.

3. Use some chicken broth to rinse out the tomato cans thoroughly and add it to the pot. Pour in the remaining broth and stir in the black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat afterwards.

4. Use a stick blender or potato masher to break up the tomatoes until the soup is either chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.

Set of two photos showing sugar added to the pot and a basil leaf added on top.

5. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. If the soup tastes too acidic or lacks flavour, stir in some sugar.

6. Serve the soup hot topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Overhead view of a pot of tomato soup with some pepper and some basil beside it.

What Are The Best Tinned Tomatoes To Use For Soup?

When choosing the best tinned tomatoes for your tomato soup, Italian San Marzano tomatoes are a top pick. These tomatoes are known for their sweet taste, low acidity, and meaty texture. Grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, they offer a unique flavour that enhances your soup. Their firm pulp and minimal seeds give you a smoother consistency, perfect for a rich and velvety soup.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?

I prefer canned tomatoes because they have a richer flavour, but you can certainly use fresh tomatoes to make tomato soup. To do this, you'll want to use ripe, juicy tomatoes, such as Roma or vine-ripened varieties, for their rich flavour and lower water content. Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This process makes peeling the skins easier. Once peeled, remove the cores and chop the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes contain more water than canned, so you may want to add more cooking time for the soup to reduce and the flavours to concentrate.

A spoon lifting up some tomato soup from a bowl. Torn bread in the background.

Why Add Sugar To Tomato Soup?

Adding sugar to tomato soup can help balance its natural acidity. Fresh or canned tomatoes have varying levels of acidity that can sometimes make the soup taste too tart. Just a small amount of sugar can neutralise this sharpness and create a smoother, more well-rounded flavour. The sweetness from the sugar doesn't overpower the soup; it complements and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and other vegetables.

What To Serve With Tomato Soup

This easy tomato soup recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. One classic combination is serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich, where the crispy bread and melted cheese perfectly complement the smooth, tangy soup. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Crusty bread or a warm baguette can also be an excellent side, ideal for dipping and soaking up the soup. If you want to add a bit more protein to your meal, a piece of baked chicken or a slice of quiche can round out the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance. Chop all vegetables and measure out your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Fresh garlic is best. Opt for fresh garlic cloves over pre-minced or garlic powder for a stronger, more fragrant taste. In a pinch, replace each fresh clove with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Simmer longer for deeper flavour. If you have extra time, allow the soup to simmer longer to let the flavours meld together more thoroughly.
Adjust seasoning gradually. Taste the soup as you go and add salt, pepper, and sugar incrementally to achieve the perfect balance.
Blend carefully. If using a stick blender, take care to blend in pulses to avoid splashes and ensure the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish creatively. Fresh basil is a classic choice, but you could also try garnishing with a swirl of cream or some crumbled feta for a different twist.

A bowl of tomato soup topped with pepper. Torn bread, pepper, and a glass of water in the back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tomato soup be frozen?

Homemade tomato soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw containers in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, bring the soup to a gentle simmer on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Or, microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring between each, to help eliminate splattering.

Can I use stock instead of broth?

You can use stock instead of broth. Stock typically has a richer flavour and can add more depth to your soup, but either option will work well, depending on what you have on hand. You can also use vegetarian stock or broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

If you've tried this Tomato Soup recipe, then don't forget to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you!