A homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. Made with roasted fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, garlic, and fragrant basil, this soup offers a rich flavor and velvety texture that far surpasses most canned varieties. Roasting the vegetables before blending intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a deeper, more satisfying taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a comforting lunch, or a simple starter for dinner, this homemade tomato soup is both nourishing and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tomato Soup Recipe delivers bold tomato flavor by roasting fresh vegetables until they’re lightly caramelized. That extra step enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while giving the soup a richer taste. Fresh basil adds brightness, and a simple roux creates a smooth, creamy consistency without making the soup heavy.
Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. It works well as a light appetizer, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner when served with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. It also stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal preparation.
At Richy Bites, Alessia enjoys recipes that turn fresh, everyday ingredients into comforting homemade meals. This tomato soup is a perfect example of simple cooking that delivers outstanding flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes, chopped | 3 pounds |
| Onion, diced | ½ onion, about 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves, chopped | 5 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fine sea salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh basil leaves | ¼ cup |
| Salted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable broth | 1 quart |
| Heavy cream, optional | ¼ to ½ cup |
How to Make Tomato Soup Recipe
The foundation of this Tomato Soup Recipe begins with roasting tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a hot oven. This simple technique concentrates their natural flavors while adding a hint of caramelization that gives the finished soup remarkable depth. Once roasted, the vegetables are blended with fresh basil until completely smooth.
Next, a butter and flour mixture is prepared to provide body and a silky consistency. Vegetable broth and the blended tomatoes are added before the soup gently simmers, allowing all the flavors to combine into a rich, comforting meal. A splash of cream can be stirred in at the end for an even smoother finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Lightly grease a large baking tray.
- Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread the vegetables evenly across the prepared baking tray.
- Roast for 15 minutes.
- Stir the vegetables and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
- Broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes until some tomatoes develop lightly browned edges.
- Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices into a blender.
- Add the fresh basil leaves.
- Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute.
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth until smooth.
- Stir the blended tomato mixture into the pot.
- Add the granulated sugar.
- Pour in the heavy cream if you prefer a richer soup.
- Simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Garnish with basil, croutons, or freshly cracked black pepper.
Helpful Tips
Use ripe tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
Roasting the vegetables creates a deeper taste than simply simmering them.
Blend the soup thoroughly for a silky texture.
Fresh basil provides a brighter flavor than dried herbs.
Add the cream during the final minutes of cooking to keep it smooth.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, savory, lightly sweet |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy |
| Cuisine | American, Italian |
| Category | Soup, Main Course, Side Dish |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
Notes and Variations
Whole canned tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes when necessary.
Avocado oil or canola oil works well instead of olive oil.
Unsalted butter is an easy substitute for salted butter.
Use gluten-free flour to prepare a gluten-free version.
Replace granulated sugar with honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness.
Chicken broth creates a slightly richer flavor than vegetable broth.
Whole milk or half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream.
Fresh thyme or oregano pairs beautifully with the roasted tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 111 |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 8 mg |
| Sodium | 653 mg |
| Potassium | 421 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 1796 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 23 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for a classic Tomato Soup Recipe?
A traditional Tomato Soup Recipe includes fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, basil, butter, flour, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and a small amount of sugar. Heavy cream can be added if you prefer a creamier consistency.
Can you make Tomato Soup Recipe ahead of time?
Yes. This soup is ideal for preparing in advance because the flavors become even more developed after resting in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before serving.
Can you freeze Tomato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely. Once the soup has cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
What goes well with Tomato Soup Recipe?
This soup tastes wonderful with grilled cheese sandwiches, toasted artisan bread, garlic bread, crackers, homemade croutons, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to five days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and stir well while reheating to maintain the smooth consistency.
Print
Tomato Soup Recipe | Rich, Creamy Homemade Comfort
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Tomato Soup Recipe combines roasted fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil with vegetable broth for a smooth, rich, and comforting soup. Optional heavy cream adds extra richness, while a simple roux gives the soup a silky texture.
Ingredients
3 pounds fresh tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 onion, diced, about 1 cup
5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 quart vegetable broth
1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
Croutons, chopped basil, or black pepper for serving, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
3. Place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
4. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Roast for 15 minutes.
7. Stir the vegetables and roast for another 15 minutes.
8. Broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes until some tomato edges become lightly charred.
9. Transfer the roasted vegetables and all their juices to a high-powered blender.
10. Add the fresh basil.
11. Blend on high speed until completely smooth.
12. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
13. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until bubbly and lightly golden.
14. Slowly add the vegetable broth while whisking until smooth.
15. Stir in the granulated sugar.
16. Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot.
17. Whisk until the soup is smooth and evenly combined.
18. Add the heavy cream if you prefer a creamier soup.
19. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
20. Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
21. Serve warm with croutons, fresh basil, or your preferred garnish.
Notes
This recipe makes about 8 cups, or 2 quarts, of tomato soup.
Use ripe fresh tomatoes for the strongest flavor.
Whole canned tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes. Drain them before roasting.
Avocado oil or canola oil can replace olive oil.
Unsalted butter can replace salted butter.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Honey or brown sugar can replace granulated sugar.
Chicken broth can replace vegetable broth for a different flavor.
Whole milk or half-and-half can replace heavy cream.
Add fresh oregano or thyme for extra herbal flavor.
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Freeze in individual or family-sized portions for easier reheating.
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat or warm individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 111
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 653 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Conclusion
This Tomato Soup Recipe is a comforting homemade classic that’s full of fresh flavor and simple ingredients. Roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil create a naturally rich base, while the creamy texture makes every bowl satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as an elegant appetizer, this recipe offers dependable results and wonderful taste every time. Once you’ve experienced the flavor of homemade tomato soup, it’s sure to become a regular addition to your recipe collection.