Smooth Tomato Soup is a simple, classic dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy and velvety with just the right balance of tangy tomatoes and mild spices. You can really taste the freshness of the tomatoes, which makes it comforting and refreshing all at once.
I love making this soup when I want something quick but satisfying. The best part is how easy it is to customize—whether you want to add a little basil, a splash of cream, or some crunchy croutons on top. It’s one of those recipes that you can tweak depending on what you have on hand, which makes it a go-to in my kitchen.
For me, the best way to enjoy smooth tomato soup is with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. There’s something about dipping that crispy, gooey sandwich into the warm soup that just makes me smile every time. It’s perfect for lunch on a chilly day or a simple dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes make the best soup, but canned whole peeled tomatoes work great too and save time. I like San Marzano canned tomatoes for their sweet, rich flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These build your soup’s flavor base. Yellow onions are my favorite. If you want a milder taste, try shallots instead.
Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth. Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt levels easily. Water works in a pinch but broth adds more flavor.
Cream or Milk: Makes the soup silky and smooth. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or oat milk works well and adds a gentle creaminess.
Tomato Paste: Optional but adds a nice richness and deeper tomato flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip or add a little more fresh tomatoes.
How Do I Make the Soup Smooth Without Losing Flavor?
The key to a rich, smooth tomato soup is blending and simmering properly. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
- Sauté onions and garlic first. This softens their sharpness and builds a flavorful base.
- Simmer tomatoes and broth gently for 20-25 mins to let flavors blend and soften the tomatoes completely.
- Use a hand blender to puree the soup right in the pot, or blend in batches carefully. This helps control texture while keeping the warmth.
- If you like extra smooth, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any seeds or skin.
- Add cream or milk last, off the heat, to keep it silky without curdling.
Taking these steps gives you that perfect smooth texture without losing the fresh, bright tomato taste. It’s simple but makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for cooking the soup evenly and giving you enough room to stir without spilling.
- Immersion blender – makes pureeing the soup easy right in the pot, no extra dishes.
- Wooden spoon – gentle on your pot and great for stirring the soup during cooking.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes safely and quickly.
- Ladle – helps you serve the soup without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
- Stir in fresh basil or thyme at the end to brighten up the soup and add herbal freshness.
- Mix in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for a tasty, herby boost.
- For extra richness, add some grated Parmesan cheese or a swirl of sour cream on top.
How to Make Smooth Tomato Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans (14 oz each) of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for smooth creaminess)
For Serving:
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
- Croutons or toasted bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of around 35 minutes. After cooking, pureeing the soup only takes a few minutes, so you can have a smooth, delicious tomato soup ready in under 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to keep the garlic from burning.
2. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Add the fresh or canned tomatoes, broth, tomato paste (if using), sugar, salt, pepper, and basil to the pot. Stir everything well and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes are very soft and the flavors have blended together.
3. Blend the Soup and Add Cream:
Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until silky. Stir in the heavy cream or milk if you’re using it, then taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve:
Ladle the smooth tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with a little cream or sour cream if you like, sprinkle fresh herbs on top, and serve with crunchy croutons or toasted bread on the side.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Smooth Tomato Soup!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great substitute and often more convenient. Just use them with their juice and skip adding extra water or broth unless you want a thinner soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Simply replace the heavy cream or milk with coconut milk or another plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. They add creaminess without dairy.
Can I Make Smooth Tomato Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the soup, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
