Introduction
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this tomato soup recipe is a perfect dish for any season. It’s simple to make, relying on basic ingredients that are often found in your pantry. Whether served as a cozy meal on a chilly evening or as a starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to please. Topped with fresh basil, Parmesan, or crunchy croutons, it becomes truly special. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this delicious tomato soup.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup half and half
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Croutons for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
To prepare the soup, begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and adding the diced onion and minced garlic. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, cook until the onions soften and become translucent. Incorporate tomato paste and a splash of vegetable stock to facilitate blending. Once combined, add the canned tomatoes and stir thoroughly.
Next, pour in the remainder of the vegetable stock, cover, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer for 10 minutes. Afterward, stir in the half and half, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to achieve a smooth consistency. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or croutons to enhance flavor and texture. Serve hot, and for an ultimate comfort food experience, pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches. Enjoy your homemade tomato soup!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Heat the Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add Onion and Garlic
Add the diced medium yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft.
