If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of pure tomato goodness that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is going to steal your heart. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted fresh tomatoes with the aromatic notes of garlic and basil, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s brimming with flavor. The secret? A simple roasting step that elevates fresh ingredients into something extraordinary, offering a soup that is both fresh and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a cozy supper, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves the timeless charm of homemade soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making the Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple, and it all starts with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sweetness of the tomatoes to the fragrance of fresh basil, every component adds layers of flavor and character.
- 3 pounds fresh tomatoes: Cut into 2-inch pieces, they bring intense, natural sweetness and body to the soup.
- ½ onion: Diced, it adds a subtle savory depth and a hint of sweetness after roasting.
- 5 cloves garlic: Peeled and roasted, these provide a fragrant, mellow flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- ¼ cup fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for roasting, it helps caramelize the vegetables and adds richness.
- 1 quart vegetable broth: The base that brings everything together into a smooth, comforting soup.
- Optional ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream: Adds a silky finish and luxurious creaminess to the soup, but you can omit it for a lighter version.
How to Make Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and greasing a large baking sheet. Spread out your chopped fresh tomatoes, diced onions, and whole garlic cloves, then drizzle everything with olive oil. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper will enhance the natural flavors. Toss gently to coat all the pieces well and pop them into the oven. Roasting for 30 minutes allows the tomatoes and garlic to develop that coveted smoky sweetness and the onions to caramelize, building incredible depth of flavor that’s impossible to get by just boiling.
Step 2: Blend the roasted mixture
Allow the roasted veggies to cool slightly so you can handle them safely. Then, blend them together with fresh basil until completely smooth. This step is where all those roasted flavors come together with the herbaceous brightness, forming the heart of your soup. The texture at this point is already silky and rich but still fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Prepare the broth base
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt a knob of butter and whisk in an equal amount of flour until it forms a smooth paste, known as a roux. This thickens the soup and adds a subtle nuttiness. Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This step transforms your soup from a puree into a luxuriously smooth, velvety base ready to marry with the roasted tomato blend.
Step 4: Combine and simmer
Pour the blended tomato and basil mixture into the pot with your broth base. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering step is crucial for achieving that perfectly rounded flavor profile.
Step 5: Finish with optional cream
If you prefer a richer, creamier soup, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream at this point. Warm it through gently without letting the soup boil, preserving its luscious texture. This final touch turns the soup into a truly indulgent treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a little comfort on a spoon.
How to Serve Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl by topping it with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. For a bit of texture, toasted croutons or a dollop of crème fraîche also work wonders. Garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but add delightful layers of taste and crunch.
Side Dishes
A warm grilled cheese sandwich pairs famously with this Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe — the crunchy, buttery bread and gooey cheese make every bite heavenly when dipped into the soup. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or a crusty baguette to soak up the last drops. These sides complement the velvety soup perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out small bread bowls or mini pumpkins during seasonal gatherings. Swirling in a pesto ribbon or a dash of smoked paprika can add interesting flavor contrast and make your presentation Instagram-worthy. Playing with presentation keeps your favorite soup feeling fresh and exciting every time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a bit of resting, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring back its silky texture.
Freezing
The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic option for those who love to batch-cook their meals. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture. Avoid boiling as it can affect the creaminess and cause separation if you included cream. Alternatively, microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between also works well when time is short.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh tomatoes offer a bright, natural flavor, good-quality canned tomatoes can be a convenient alternative, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. You might want to adjust roasting time or seasoning slightly to balance flavors.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, just skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based milk for creaminess. Also, make sure to use vegan butter or olive oil when preparing the broth base to keep the recipe fully vegan.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the roasting step or a small diced chili with the onion. Another option is to swirl in a bit of spicy harissa or hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick without overpowering the tomato flavor.
What’s the best way to get a smooth texture?
Blending the roasted vegetables with fresh basil until completely smooth is key. For an ultra-silky soup, you can strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve before adding it to the broth base. This removes any remaining skin or seeds for a velvety finish.
Can I make this soup in advance for a party?
Yes, this soup is fantastic for entertaining because the flavors improve as it rests. You can roast the vegetables and prepare the base a day ahead, then combine and warm the soup just before serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe that makes you feel right at home no matter the season. Its blend of fresh, roasted, and creamy elements brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. I hope you’ll dive in and make this recipe your own, discovering the delicious magic that comes from simple ingredients treated with love.
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Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Homemade Tomato Soup recipe features roasted fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions blended with basil to create a rich and flavorful soup. Enhanced with vegetable broth and a touch of cream, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds fresh tomatoes (cut into 2” pieces)
- ½ onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart vegetable broth
Optional
- ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for roux)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for roux)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 450°F and grease a large baking sheet. Cut the tomatoes into 2-inch pieces, dice half an onion, and peel five cloves of garlic.
- Arrange and Season: Spread the tomatoes, onion, and garlic evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and toss everything to coat properly.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30 minutes until the tomatoes and garlic are blistered and caramelized, which intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Blend with Basil: After roasting, let the vegetables cool slightly. Transfer them to a blender along with ¼ cup of fresh basil and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Make the Roux: In a pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook to form a smooth roux, which helps to thicken the soup without lumps.
- Add Broth and Tomato Blend: Gradually pour in 1 quart of vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Then add the blended tomato mixture to the pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream: If desired, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream and heat through gently. Avoid boiling after adding cream to preserve its creaminess and prevent curdling.
Notes
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
- The roux is essential to thicken the soup and give it a smooth texture.
- Adjust cream quantity to your preference for richness or omit for a lighter soup.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
