Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

The Coziest Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

Crafting a delectable homemade tomato soup can transport you to a cozy culinary sanctuary.

Vibrant red tomatoes burst with summer memories and comfort.

Fragrant herbs dance through each spoonful, creating magic in your kitchen.

Simple ingredients become extraordinary when blended with care and passion.

Creamy textures and rich flavors await your exploration.

Fresh produce transforms into a soul-warming dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this classic recipe.

Tomato Basil Soup Serving Partners

Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings: Tomato Basil Soup Companions

  • Crusty Bread Buddy: Grab a warm, artisan sourdough or rustic baguette to dip into the rich, velvety soup, soaking up every delicious roasted tomato essence.
  • Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's tangy tomato profile without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
  • Grilled Cheese Delight: Create a classic comfort combo by serving the soup alongside a golden, melty grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar or creamy gruyère for ultimate satisfaction.
  • Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a light, herb-infused mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the soup's rich, warm character.

Tomato Basil Soup Flavor Swaps

  • Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Soup: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Sodium Tomato Basil Soup: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium vegetable broth and adding herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor without sodium.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Soup: Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of harissa paste to give the soup a warm, zesty kick and regional flair.

FAQs

  • Why roast the tomatoes first?

Roasting concentrates the tomato flavor, caramelizes natural sugars, and adds depth to the soup’s overall taste profile. This technique brings out a richer, more intense tomato flavor compared to using raw tomatoes.

  • Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh tomatoes are recommended for best results. If using canned, choose whole peeled tomatoes and drain excess liquid. Adjust roasting time slightly as canned tomatoes have different moisture content.

  • Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

The recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth. To make it vegan, replace butter with olive oil and skip the heavy cream or use a plant-based alternative.

  • How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic?

Adding a small amount of sugar helps balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity. The roasting process also naturally reduces the sharp acidic notes, creating a smoother, more balanced flavor.

Tomato Soup That’s Roasted, Basil-Infused, and Always Welcome

  • Elevate Home Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup with minimal culinary skills required.
  • Quick and Satisfying Comfort: Enjoy a hearty, flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out with minimal preparation time.
  • Customize Your Experience: Adapt the recipe easily by adding cream, experimenting with garnishes, or pairing with different side dishes for a personalized touch.
  • Nutritious and Wholesome: Pack your meal with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy base for the roasted soup.
  • Onion: Sweet and aromatic flavor enhancer.
  • Garlic: Adds deep, rich depth to the soup.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright and herbaceous flavor profile.
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Broth, Heavy Cream: Smooth and creamy soup base.
  • Butter: Rich and smooth foundation for roux.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Sugar: Balanced seasoning to elevate the roasted tomato flavors.

How to Prepare the Best Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Heat your oven to a toasty 450°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and set it aside.

Step 2: Season Vegetables

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Tomatoes
  • Onion
  • Garlic

Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper. Toss everything until the vegetables are evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 3: Roast Vegetable Medley

Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then gently stir. Continue roasting for another 15 minutes. For a final touch of flavor, broil for 3 minutes to create a light char on the tomatoes.

Step 4: Blend Roasted Vegetables

Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a high-powered blender. Add fresh basil leaves. Blend on high speed until the mixture becomes completely smooth, which takes about 50 seconds.

Step 5: Create Soup Base

Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook until the mixture turns a golden brown color, which takes roughly 30-60 seconds.

Step 6: Combine Soup Ingredients

Add vegetable broth and sugar to the pot, whisking to blend smoothly. Pour in the blended tomato mixture. If you want a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream.

Step 7: Simmer and Season

Let the soup simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring a perfect flavor balance.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like crispy croutons, freshly chopped basil leaves, or a delicate drizzle of cream.

Tomato Soup Tips for Roasted Basil Perfection

  • Boost Roasting Flavor: Spread tomatoes and vegetables in a single layer to ensure even caramelization and prevent steaming, which intensifies the rich, smoky taste.
  • Blend with Precision: Use a high-powered blender and blend on high speed for a smooth, velvety texture without chunky vegetable bits.
  • Cream Control: Add heavy cream gradually to control thickness and richness, starting with ¼ cup and adjusting to your preferred consistency.
  • Enhance Seasoning Depth: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking to balance flavors and prevent over-salting during the initial cooking process.
  • Elevate Serving Style: Garnish with fresh basil, homemade croutons, or a delicate cream drizzle to add visual appeal and complementary textures to the soup.

Keep Homemade Tomato Soup Flavorful

  • Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep sealed in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Stir before serving to distribute heat evenly.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and serve immediately.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty homemade tomato soup delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending ripe tomatoes with aromatic herbs. Creamy, rich flavors welcome you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) tomatoes, fresh, cut into 2 pieces
  • 1 quart (0.95 liters) vegetable broth
  • 1/2 onion, diced (1 cup)
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredient:

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 120 milliliters) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generous baking sheet by lightly coating it with oil to prevent sticking during roasting.
  2. Combine whole tomatoes, sliced onions, and peeled garlic cloves in a mixing bowl, thoroughly coating them with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  3. Arrange the vegetable mixture in a uniform layer across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring no overlapping to promote even caramelization.
  4. Roast the vegetables in a preheated oven, initially for 15 minutes, then rotate and redistribute for another 15 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
  5. Activate the broiler for a final 3-minute burst, allowing select tomatoes to develop a delicate charred exterior and enhance overall complexity.
  6. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a high-performance blender, introducing fresh basil leaves to create a smooth, vibrant puree with an intense herbaceous profile.
  7. In a substantial cooking pot, melt butter and incorporate flour, continuously whisking until the mixture achieves a golden, nutty appearance.
  8. Gradually introduce vegetable broth and a touch of sugar, stirring consistently to prevent lumps and create a harmonious base.
  9. Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot, optionally enriching with a measured amount of heavy cream for added luxurious texture.
  10. Allow the soup to gently simmer, developing depth and melding flavors for approximately 15 minutes.
  11. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
  12. Serve immediately, offering optional garnishes like crisp croutons, delicate basil chiffonade, or an elegant cream drizzle.

Notes

  • Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile compared to using raw tomatoes.
  • Broiling at the end adds a subtle charred note that brings a smoky dimension to the soup, enhancing its overall taste complexity.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and skip the heavy cream, using coconut milk or vegetable broth to maintain richness.
  • Ensure even roasting by cutting tomatoes and vegetables into similar-sized pieces, allowing uniform caramelization and preventing burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 48 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star