Okay, friends, let me tell you about the absolute champion of comfort food in my family. Grandma’s Creamy Tomato Soup. Forget that canned stuff you grew up with! What is a different ballgame? Think of it as the elevated, grown-up version – the one that makes you say, “Mmm,” with every single single word. Is this recipe ridiculously easy, packed with flavor and warms you from the inside out on a chilly day? Is it easier than making a French onion soup? What’s the best soup recipe you’ve ever made?
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What is Grandma’s Creamy Tomato soup?
What is a tomato soup? It’s creamy, yes, but it’s also bursting with fresh tomato flavor, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of spice. What is the depth of savory depth Think of it as a hug in tin. It’s essentially taking simple ingredients – tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth – and transforming them into something amazing. What makes you special? What is the secret of slow simmering and a little bit of love? My grandma always said it was the best way to use up summer tomatoes, but honestly, it’s just as good. Can you make canned tomatoes year round? What is so good about soup?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat soup?
Flavor:First and foremost, the taste is incredible. Is it a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that dance on your tongue? The roasted garlic adds a depth that you just can’t get from raw garlic, and the fresh basil gives it that extra depth. What is it that brightens everything What I love about this is how balanced the flavors are. Is it too sweet, not too acidic, just perfectly comforting?
Simplicity:Is this recipe easy to make? Most of the work is just chopping vegetables and letting the soup simmer away on the stove. It’s almost completely hands off, so you can get other things done while it cooks.
Cost-What are some pantry staples that can be easily found at your local grocery store? You probably already have most of them on hand! What is the best way to feed a crowd?
Versatility:Can you customize it to your liking? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, swap the cream for coconut milk for vegan. How do I make a heartier meal? I sometimes add a dollop of pesto on top for an extra burst of flavor. What are some ways to roast tomatoes for a deeper flavor? I’ve tried other tomato soup recipes, but this one always comes out on top. What is the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and comfort? What’s a good way to sneak in veggies like my Butternut squash soup?
How do I make Grandma’s Creamy Tomato Soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make this soup? What’s the best way to add the tomatoes and broth, simmer until everything is tender, and blend it all together. How do I make a smooth paste What are some good ways to add cream and fresh basil to a dish? Is it so easy to make a cake? Slow simmering really allows the flavors to meld together, creating a soup that is far greater than the average soup. If the sum of its parts is greater than the total of the parts, then the
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
* 6 cloves garlic, minced (or roasted for extra flavor!)
* 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes. I always buy San Marzano tomatoes if I can find them – they’re the best!
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor) * 3 cups water for 6 hours.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan)
For the Freshness: How do I
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
How do I get started
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
How do you cook olive oil in a Dutch oven? Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. What is the best way to prepare minced garlic? If the garlic is too dry, add it to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I always do this when I have extra time on weekends – it makes a huge difference!
Step 4: Blend
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids – vent the blender lid to prevent splattering. If using a regular blender, you may need to do this in batches.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Basil
Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). What should I do if I’m going to serve basil just before serving? What is your favorite basil soup? If you like, you can add a bit of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. I find that a pinch usually does the trick!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot and garnish with extra fresh basil, a swirl of cream, or sprinkle of parmesan cheese, as desired. This soup is also delicious with grilled cheese croutons (recipe below!).
How do I roast garlic?
What are some good ways to roast garlic in soup? To roast garlic, cut the top off a head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the head and mash them before serving. How do you add them to soup?
Grilled Cheese Croutons: Optional.
What are some of the most addictive drugs? To make them, spread butter on the outside of two slices of bread and place a slice of cheese in the middle. What are some ways to grill the cheese in a pan over medium heat until golden brown. Cut into small cubes and use as croutons for soup.
What should I serve it with?
This creamy tomato soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many things!
What is a classic lunch?What’s a good side dish to serve with grilled cheese? What are some good dipping ideas for crusty baguettes?
For a light dinner:What’s a good salad to serve with your meal? What is a spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette?
For a Cozy Night In:Serve with garlic bread or cheesy biscuits. What is the best way to warm up on a chilly evening? My family loves it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for sprinkling of heat.
For a Special Occasion:What’s a good side to serve with grilled cheese? Can you serve it in small cups as an appetizer at a party?
My grandma always served this with sour cream and chives. I still do that sometimes, just to feel closer to her. If you’re feeling fancy, you can drizzle a little bit of pesto on top for an extra burst of flavor. What are some of the best ways to serve soup?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Grandma’s Creamy Tomato Soup
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup even better.
Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes makes a huge difference in the flavor of the soup. I always use San Marzano tomatoes if I can find them. They’re sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. If you can’t find those, look for canned tomatoes that are specifically labeled “crushed” – they tend to be of better quality and have a smoother texture.
Roast the Garlic: As I mentioned earlier, roasting the garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to the soup. It’s worth the extra effort!
Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: The simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Don’t rush this step! I usually let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.
Blend Carefully: Be very careful when blending hot liquids! Vent the blender lid to prevent splattering. If using a regular blender, you may need to do this in batches. An immersion blender is also a great option.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before adding the cream and basil, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh basil, a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or a dollop of pesto are all delicious options.
One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the soup. To fix it, I added a peeled and cubed potato to the soup while it simmered. The potato absorbed the excess salt, and the soup was perfect! Trust me on this one – it works!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This soup is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping!
Room Temperature: Do not leave this at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor will actually improve as it sits!
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the soup, wait to add the cream and basil until after you’ve thawed and reheated it. This will help preserve the flavor and texture of the cream and basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Grandma’s Creamy Tomato Soup, the best soup recipe in my family. It’s simple, flavorful, and comforting – everything you could want in a bowl of soup! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a cozy dinner, or a way to use up your summer tomatoes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. If you love this, you’ll definitely want to try my chicken noodle soup recipe – it’s another family classic! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think, and be sure to share your own variations!
Hearty Root Vegetable Soup with Lentils
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1 cup parsnip diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup lentils rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz can, with juice
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and parsnip, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are beginning to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lentils and the can of diced tomatoes.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy.
