How to Make Tomato Soup: 101 Guide to Make This Classic Comfort Food

If you want to learn how to make tomato soup at home, check out this simple recipe!

Ingredients

- 1 kg ripe tomatoes, chopped

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 500 ml vegetable broth

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

- Salt to taste

- Black pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 dried bay leaf

- 100 ml milk or cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it slowly until it becomes soft and light in color.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds. Keep stirring so the garlic releases its aroma but does not turn brown, which can make the soup taste bitter.

3. Put the chopped tomatoes into the pot. Stir well so they mix with the onion and garlic. Let the tomatoes cook for about 10 minutes.

4. Add the tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil. After boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Remove the bay leaf. Use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid spills.

6. Return the soup to the pot and add milk or cream if you want a softer texture. Stir well and heat gently for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Even if you already know how to make tomato soup, small changes can make a big difference. The tips below are practical and focus on improving taste and texture without adding complicated steps.

- Cook the Onion Slowly: Heat the onion over medium heat and give it time to soften gently, so the base flavor becomes smooth and mild without sharp or burnt notes.

- Balance Acidity Carefully: Add sugar little by little after the tomatoes break down, which helps soften sour flavors while keeping the soup savory and well balanced.

- Develop Tomato Paste Flavor: Stir the tomato paste in the pot for a short time before adding liquid to deepen flavor and remove its raw, metallic taste.

- Blend at the Right Temperature: Blend the soup while it is warm but not boiling, so the texture becomes silky smooth and safer to handle.

- Let the Soup Rest Briefly: Allow the finished soup to sit for a few minutes before serving, helping the flavors combine and taste more even.

Knowing how to make tomato soup also means knowing how to keep it fresh after cooking. Leftovers can be very useful, especially when you want a quick meal later, but proper storage is important to keep the soup safe and tasty.

If you plan to store the soup in the refrigerator, first let it cool completely at room temperature. Pour it into a clean, airtight container and close it tightly. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the soup can stay fresh for up to three days. Always reheat only the amount you plan to eat.

For longer storage, freezing is a good option. After cooling the soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand when frozen. Label the container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

After learning how to make tomato soup, choosing the right side dish can make the meal more satisfying. The items below add texture and flavor without overpowering the soup.

1. Grilled cheese sandwich

2. Garlic bread slices

3. Plain buttered toast

4. Baked cheese biscuits

5. Simple green salad

6. Roasted vegetables

7. Cheese quesadilla

8. Soft dinner rolls

9. Crackers with herbs

10. Baked potato wedges

Once you feel confident about how to make tomato soup, trying new versions can keep the dish interesting and enjoyable. These ideas use simple changes to create different flavors without making the recipe complicated.

- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Add dried or fresh basil near the end of cooking to give the soup a soft herbal taste that feels comforting and slightly refreshing.

- Spicy Tomato Soup: Mix in chili flakes or a small amount of chili powder to create gentle heat that warms the throat without overpowering the tomato flavor.

- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes in the oven before cooking to bring out deeper, slightly smoky notes that make the soup taste richer.

- Tomato Lentil Soup: Add cooked lentils to the soup for a thicker texture and a more filling meal that works well for lunch or dinner.

- Tomato Coconut Soup: Replace milk or cream with coconut milk to give the soup a smooth texture and a mild tropical flavor.

- Tomato Carrot Soup: Cook carrots together with tomatoes to add natural sweetness and create a softer, smoother taste overall.

- Tomato Rice Soup: Stir in cooked rice at the end to turn the soup into a hearty dish that feels closer to a complete meal.