Craving the ultimate comfort food? Look no further! This blog post is dedicated to creamy soup recipes that will warm you from the inside out. We’re diving into a collection of smooth, velvety soups perfect for chilly evenings, soothing midday lunches, or whenever you need a culinary hug.
Get ready to explore delicious and easy-to-make creamy soup recipes that will become staples in your kitchen!
What is Creamy Tomato Soup?
Creamy Tomato Soup. Just the name itself conjures up images of a warm bowl on a chilly day, right? But have you ever wondered why it’s such a classic? Is it because grumpy old Uncle Joe declared it the official soup of Sunday afternoons after “accidentally” discovering its magic after a rogue gardening gnome tripped and dumped a bucket of cream into his freshly made tomato puree? (Don’t quote me on the Uncle Joe part, that’s just family lore!).
Maybe it’s because someone, somewhere, just knew that the combination of sweet tomatoes and rich cream would unlock a universal craving response in our taste buds… perhaps the way to a man’s heart actually starts with a bowl of this comforting soup. Whatever the true origin, let’s embrace the creamy tomato goodness! Roll up your sleeves, get your apron on, and let’s whip up this creamy tomato soup!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup:
This creamy tomato soup is more than just a meal – it’s an experience! The highlight is its velvety smooth texture and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors derived from ripe tomatoes, seamlessly blended with rich cream. It is a surprisingly budget-friendly comfort food, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home without breaking the bank. Top it off with a swirl of pesto, a sprinkling of crispy croutons, or a dollop of crème fraîche for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re a fan of tomato soup but looking for something a bit more robust, try our Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup for a smokier, deeper flavor profile. Ready to taste the magic? Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Croutons, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup:
Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food! This creamy tomato soup recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also produces a deeply satisfying and flavorful result. The combination of simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process means you can have a warm and delicious bowl of soup on the table in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir well to combine.
Season and Simmer: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Blend for Smoothness: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Be cautious when blending hot liquids. Blend until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches, leaving the vent open to avoid pressure buildup.
Add Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream until the soup is heated through but not boiling.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and croutons, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup With:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! The gooey cheese and crispy bread provide a delightful contrast to the smooth soup.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of creamy goodness.
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Adds a savory and aromatic touch that complements the tomato flavor.
- Quesadillas: Filled with some cheese and served hot, they are sure to take care of your hunger.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Tomato Soup:
- Roast the Tomatoes: For an even deeper, richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Quality tomatoes make all the difference in the flavor of your soup. Look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes or use a high-quality canned variety.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Cream: Boiling the soup after adding cream can cause it to curdle. Heat it gently over low heat until warmed through. If you want a vegan option, add a splash of oat milk after you are down.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick. Add a spoon of schezwan sauce for a richer Chinese flavour.
- Blend Carefully: When blending hot liquids, always vent the blender to prevent pressure buildup.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling. Can also be microwaved in 60seconds burst so that it doesn’t bubble over.
- Freezing: Creamy tomato soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Tomato Soup recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. Its simplicity, comforting flavors, and versatility make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting bowl to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! For best results, roast the fresh tomatoes first to intensify their flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan version. Also, make sure always to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Oat Milk can also be used to make it creamy with a lower fat percentage.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Of course! Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients (except the cream) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Blend the soup, then stir in the cream before serving.
Q: What can I do if my soup is too acidic?
A: Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to neutralize the acidity, but add it gradually to avoid over-foaming.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest