Traditional Tomato Soup

Name: Traditional Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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This traditional tomato soup is a comforting classic, perfect for chilly days when you're craving something warm and hearty. With fresh, ripe tomatoes and a hint of basil, it's a simple yet satisfying dish that brings the taste of summer to your table year-round.

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Ingredients for Traditional Tomato Soup

Olive oil is used as the base for sautéing, lending a rich, fruity flavor to the soup. Onion and garlic add depth and aromatic undertones, essential for building a flavorful base. The star of the show, ripe tomatoes, bring natural sweetness and acidity, creating a vibrant taste. Chicken broth enhances the savory notes and adds a comforting touch. A hint of sugar balances the tomatoes' acidity, while salt and freshly ground black pepper round out the flavors. Heavy cream adds a velvety texture, and fresh basil introduces a pop of herbal freshness.

Tips & Tricks

If your tomatoes aren't quite ripe, roasting them beforehand can enhance their sweetness.
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer longer to evaporate more liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?: Yes, canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh ones. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes and crush them yourself for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version?: Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I store leftovers?: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Traditional Tomato Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Stir them around until they're soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This is where the aroma really starts to fill your kitchen.

Next, add your chopped tomatoes to the pot. Let them cook down for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start breaking down and releasing their juices, creating a rich base for your soup.

Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for around 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to meld beautifully together.

After simmering, take an immersion blender to the pot and puree the soup until it's smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender will work too—just be cautious with hot liquids. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.

Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. If you like, garnish with a little more fresh basil for an extra hit of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
Quick and easy to make with minimal prep work.
Perfectly creamy without being too heavy.
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent.

3. Stir in chopped tomatoes, cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to break down.

4. Add chicken broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.

7. Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil, simmer for another 5 minutes.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

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