How to Make a Flavorful Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by many as it’s simple to make and full of flavor. This rich and savory tomato soup is perfect for cold winter days or even as an appetizer at home parties. With the right ingredients, you will be able to create this delicious recipe in no time.

For those who love a cozy, comforting meal, tomato soup can be served with some freshly baked bread, or perhaps even grilled cheese on top! Let's look at how you can make this delicious tomato soup yourself from the comfort of your kitchen!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups diced onions (about 3 medium)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
6 tomatillos (unripened, not green tomatoes), rinsed and husked
1 cup fresh peeled and chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley, crème fraîche (optional)

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe will take approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook. The final product will yield about six hearty servings.

Instructions

Begin by sautéing the onions in butter until they are soft, then add garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes to release the flavor of the garlic.
Incorporate the broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Next, stir in the peeled tomatoes and tomatillos. Reduce heat, cover, and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are soft (approximately 20-30 minutes).
Using an immersion blender or transfer mixture carefully to a regular blender, blend until smooth.
Add tomato paste and season with salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you prefer creamier soup, stir in crème fraîche at the end of cooking time (optional).
Garnish your soup with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Why Tomato Soup?

Tomato soup is not just about tomatoes. This dish provides a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, which makes it incredibly versatile. It pairs well with many different flavors in other dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, tacos, or even pasta. The rich tomato flavor also works excellently as a base for soups of various other vegetables.

Additional Tips

For extra depth and richness, consider adding ham hocks to the broth while cooking your soup. It will add a subtle layer of savory that elevates the taste without overpowering it.
If you're looking for an alternative to store-bought tomato paste, use sun-dried tomatoes in oil. This can provide a more concentrated flavor and adds a beautiful color to your soup.
Leftovers of this dish are equally delicious; they keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze beautifully for long-term storage. When reheating, add some extra broth or water if needed until it reaches desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Tomato soup is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by all ages. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect to serve at home or during gatherings with friends. Whether you're looking for something simple yet satisfying, this tomato soup recipe has everything you need. Get your ingredients together and start making it today!

Enjoy your meal! And remember, the best part of any homemade recipe isn't just in the eating; it’s also in the cooking process itself.