There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, isn’t there? It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day, and the best part is that it’s super simple to make! I remember the first time I tried to whip up my own batch—it was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving something familiar and delicious. With just a few fresh ingredients, I created a soup that not only filled my belly but also warmed my heart. This tomato soup recipe is perfect for beginners and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste the rich blend of tomatoes, onions, and basil, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this delightful dish together. You won’t believe how easy it is!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of diced tomatoes – You can use fresh tomatoes or canned ones, whichever you prefer. Just make sure they’re nice and ripe for the best flavor!
- 1 cup of chopped onions – A sweet onion works beautifully, but feel free to use yellow or white onions if that’s what you have on hand.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic will do, but fresh is always best!
- 4 cups of vegetable broth – Homemade is amazing if you have it, but store-bought works just fine. Choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – This is what you’ll use to sauté the onions and garlic. It adds a lovely richness to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon of salt – This helps to enhance all the flavors. You can adjust it later, so don’t worry if you’re unsure!
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick. Adjust to your taste!
- 1 teaspoon of sugar – This little secret balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped – Fresh basil brings that amazing aroma and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, dried will work, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How to Prepare Tomato Soup
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together and make some delicious tomato soup! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it step by step, and I promise it’ll feel easy-peasy. Just follow along, and we’ll have a pot of comforting soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit—just like your excitement for a warm bowl of soup!
- Sauté the onions: Add 1 cup of chopped onions to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base of your soup.
- Add the garlic: Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Keep an eye on it! You don’t want the garlic to burn—just a little golden is perfect!
- Combine the main ingredients: Now, stir in 4 cups of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. The tomatoes should start to look juicy and inviting!
- Bring to a boil: Turn up the heat a bit until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. This won’t take long, so keep an eye on it. You’ll see some bubbles popping—this is always an exciting moment!
- Let it simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when all those delicious flavors meld together. You can use this time to clean up and get your favorite bread ready for dipping!
- Add the basil: After 20 minutes, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. This will add a fresh, aromatic touch to your soup. Yum!
- Blend the soup: Here comes the fun part! If you have an immersion blender, just blend it right in the pot until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, be careful—let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches. Make sure to secure the lid tightly to avoid splatters!
- Serve: Once blended to your desired consistency, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite bread for dipping. Trust me; it’s heavenly!
And there you have it! A homemade tomato soup that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy every spoonful—you’ve earned it!
How to Prepare Tomato Soup
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together and make some delicious tomato soup! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it step by step, and I promise it’ll feel easy-peasy. Just follow along, and we’ll have a pot of comforting soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit—just like your excitement for a warm bowl of soup!
- Sauté the onions: Add 1 cup of chopped onions to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor base of your soup. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking!
- Add the garlic: Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Keep an eye on it! You don’t want the garlic to burn—just a little golden is perfect! The aroma will be heavenly!
- Combine the main ingredients: Now, stir in 4 cups of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. The tomatoes should start to look juicy and inviting!
- Bring to a boil: Turn up the heat a bit until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. This won’t take long, so keep an eye on it. You’ll see some bubbles popping—this is always an exciting moment!
- Let it simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when all those delicious flavors meld together. You can use this time to clean up and get your favorite bread ready for dipping!
- Add the basil: After 20 minutes, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. This will add a fresh, aromatic touch to your soup. Yum! The color will brighten up your soup instantly!
- Blend the soup: Here comes the fun part! If you have an immersion blender, just blend it right in the pot until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, be careful—let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches. Make sure to secure the lid tightly to avoid splatters; nobody wants a messy kitchen!
- Serve: Once blended to your desired consistency, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite bread for dipping. Trust me; it’s heavenly!
And there you have it! A homemade tomato soup that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy every spoonful—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic onions, and fragrant basil creates a comforting and delicious taste.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and low in calories, this soup is a nutritious option for any meal.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or even as a starter for a gathering.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings or add ingredients like cream for a richer texture!
Tips for Success
To ensure your tomato soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I’ve learned along the way. First, don’t skip the sautéing step! It may seem small, but cooking the onions and garlic creates a flavorful base that really makes a difference. Keep a close eye on the garlic—burnt garlic can turn your soup bitter, so just aim for a light golden color.
If you want a smoother soup, blending is key! If you’re using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool a bit before blending to avoid any splatters. And remember, you can always add a splash of cream or even a dollop of yogurt at the end for a creamy twist—just taste as you go!
Lastly, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. If the soup tastes a bit too acidic, a pinch more sugar can balance it out beautifully. Trust your taste buds, and enjoy the process!
Serving Suggestions
Tomato soup is a fantastic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a perfect meal any day of the week! For a classic combination, serve your soup with a warm, crusty baguette or grilled cheese sandwiches. The gooey cheese and crispy bread are a match made in comfort food heaven!
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully. You could also add some crunchy croutons on top of the soup for that extra texture. Feel free to get creative—your favorite sides can elevate this dish into a delightful feast!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for a serving of this delicious tomato soup. Each cup contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose. Enjoy this healthy and comforting dish guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a fantastic option for this tomato soup recipe, especially if you want to save time. Just make sure to choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes—just drain them a bit if they’re packed in juice. This makes it super convenient for beginners, and the flavor will still be delicious! Learn more about canned tomatoes here.
How can I make the soup creamier?
If you’re looking to add a creamy touch to your tomato soup, I recommend stirring in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving. This gives the soup a rich texture and smoothness that’s simply heavenly! If you want a lighter option, you can also use Greek yogurt or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just remember to add it gradually and taste as you go!
Can I freeze the soup?
You sure can! This tomato soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit as it reheats!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover tomato soup is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy that cozy soup all over again!

Tomato Soup: 5 Easy Steps for Beginners to Savor Comfort
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious tomato soup recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add fresh basil and blend the soup until smooth.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread.
Notes
- Use canned tomatoes for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For creamier soup, add a splash of cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: tomato soup, easy soup recipe, beginner cooking