Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, nothing beats a bowl of easy tomato soup. This recipe is creamy, rich, and full of flavor made with simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream or coconut milk. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and tastes amazing with a classic grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 2 more tablespoons olive oil if dairy-free)
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1⅓ cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Stir in the balsamic vinegar for a little tang. Then add the diced tomatoes, water or broth, coconut milk (or cream), thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 20–25 minutes until the carrots are tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Carefully scoop out about 4 cups of the chunky soup and set aside. Puree the remaining soup in a blender until smooth. Return it to the pot and stir in the reserved soup for the perfect creamy-meets-chunky texture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with a drizzle of coconut milk, extra olive oil, freshly ground pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Why This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Rich and creamy – Coconut milk or heavy cream gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
- Balanced flavor – Carrots add natural sweetness, balsamic vinegar adds depth, and herbs bring warmth.
- Customizable – You can make it dairy-free, spicy, or keep it mild depending on your taste.
Tips and Variations
- Make it vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of cream.
- Add extra spice: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
- Protein boost: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for a heartier soup.
- Roasted flavor: Try roasting the tomatoes and garlic before adding for extra depth.
- Meal prep: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Health Benefits of Tomato Soup
This easy tomato soup recipe isn’t just delicious it’s also healthy:
- Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health.
- Carrots add fiber, vitamin A, and natural sweetness.
- Garlic and onions help boost immunity.
- Coconut milk or cream provides healthy fats that make the soup more satisfying.
Conclusion
This easy tomato soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food simple, wholesome, and full of flavor. Whether you enjoy it with grilled cheese, a slice of warm bread, or on its own, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Warm, creamy, and nourishing, this soup proves that comfort food can be both delicious and easy to make. Next time you’re craving something cozy, give this recipe a try you’ll love every spoonful!
