Smooth Tomato Soup is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, rich, and bursting with the fresh taste of ripe tomatoes. This soup has a velvety texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for when you want something simple but satisfying. The blend of tomatoes with a touch of herbs and cream makes each spoonful smooth and mellow.
I love making this soup on weekends when I have time to let the flavors meld together slowly. There’s something about the aroma of tomatoes simmering away that always makes the kitchen feel cozy and inviting. I usually add a pinch of basil or a little garlic to give it an extra layer of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
My favorite way to enjoy this tomato soup is with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. Dipping the crispy, melted sandwich into the warm soup is such a comforting combination that never gets old. It’s also great topped with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you want to dress it up a bit.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes bring bright flavor, but canned whole tomatoes work great too. If you want a sweeter soup, Roma tomatoes are a good choice.
Onion & Garlic: These build the soup’s base. Yellow onions are best, but you can use white or red if needed. Garlic adds depth but use less if you prefer a milder taste.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth adds savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, go with vegetable. Water can work in a pinch but broth really boosts taste.
Cream or Coconut Milk: This is optional but makes the soup extra smooth and rich. Coconut milk is perfect if you want a dairy-free version with a subtle twist.
How Do You Get the Soup Perfectly Smooth and Creamy?
Blending is key for that silky texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Use an immersion blender right in the pot to save time and cleanup.
- If you use a regular blender, blend in batches and be careful with hot liquid—leave the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.
- Blend until no chunks remain, and the soup feels velvety smooth.
- After blending, warm gently and add cream to avoid curdling.
Taking time to blend well makes all the difference. It helps the flavors come together and gives the soup that comforting, silky feel we all love.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for sautéing veggies and simmering the soup evenly.
- Immersion blender – makes it easy to puree the soup right in the pot without extra cleanup.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – essential for chopping tomatoes, onions, and garlic quickly and safely.
- Ladle – helps you serve the soup neatly into bowls.
- Wooden spoon – sturdy for stirring without scratching your pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness that deepens the tomato flavor.
- Stir in fresh basil or a pinch of dried oregano for a classic Italian twist.
- Mix in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for fresh herb and garlic notes.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
How to Make Smooth Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or about 4 cups canned whole tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Cherry tomato slices (optional)
- Olive oil drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tomato soup recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook and blend. So, expect to spend around 40 minutes total from start to finish to enjoy a warm, smooth, and delicious soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma, but be careful not to burn it.
2. Cook Tomatoes and Simmer:
Add the chopped tomatoes with their juices (or canned tomatoes) into the pot. Pour in the broth, then add thyme, sugar (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the tomatoes to soften completely.
3. Blend the Soup Smooth:
Take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Blend until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy, with no chunks left.
4. Finish and Serve:
Return the smooth soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk if you want that extra richness. Warm the soup gently and taste it, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil or parsley, and some cherry tomato slices if you’d like a pretty touch.
Enjoy your smooth tomato soup alongside crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect comforting meal!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Canned whole tomatoes are a convenient and flavorful substitute for fresh tomatoes, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just use about 4 cups and include the juices for best results.
How Can I Make the Soup Dairy-Free?
Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or leave out the cream altogether. Coconut milk adds a lovely creaminess without dairy, and you can adjust to your taste.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Warm the soup slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
