Smooth Tomato Soup is a simple, comforting classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s all about the fresh tomatoes, blended until silky smooth, with just a touch of herbs and seasoning to bring out their natural sweetness. The creamy texture makes it easy to sip or spoon, perfect for any time you need a bit of cozy comfort.
I love making this soup when the weather is cooler or when I want something quick but satisfying. One little tip I always follow is to simmer the tomatoes slowly to really deepen the flavor before blending. It makes all the difference and gives the soup that rich, homemade taste without extra fuss.
My favorite way to enjoy smooth tomato soup is with a side of crispy grilled cheese or a chunk of crusty bread for dipping. It’s the kind of meal that feels simple but special, and it’s one that always brings back memories of family lunches and quiet evenings at home. I’m pretty sure you’ll find it just as comforting as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes give the best flavor when in season. If not, canned crushed tomatoes work great and save time.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth to the soup. Yellow onions are my favorite for their sweet flavor when cooked gently. You can swap garlic for garlic powder if needed.
Carrot: It’s a subtle sweetener that balances tomato acidity. You can skip it, but the soup will be less rich in flavor.
Basil: Fresh leaves add brightness, but dried basil works well too. If you don’t have basil, thyme or oregano can be good alternatives.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess. For dairy-free, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Smooth Texture?
The key to smooth tomato soup is blending well and cooking ingredients until soft. Here’s how to do it:
- Simmer carrots and onions until very soft before blending. This helps create a creamy texture without graininess.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy blending or a regular blender in batches, but watch out for hot splashes.
- Blend until no chunks remain and the soup is velvety smooth.
- If you want it even silkier, strain the soup through a fine sieve after blending.
Finishing with cream or milk adds a lovely richness that complements the smooth texture without heaviness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – big enough to hold the soup and let it simmer gently without spilling.
- Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring the soup while it cooks without scratching the pot.
- Immersion blender – makes blending the soup smooth right in the pot quick and easy.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to chop onions, garlic, and carrots safely and neatly.
- Ladle – for serving your warm, delicious tomato soup into bowls without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky twist and extra sweetness in the soup.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition and color.
- Include a pinch of red chili flakes to give the soup a mild, warming heat.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese or shredded parmesan for a creamy, tangy finish.
Smooth Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes or 6-7 fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like basil or parsley)
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. You’ll cook and simmer the vegetables, then blend everything smooth. If adding cream, just warm it through, and you’re ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook about 5 minutes until soft and see-through. Then add the garlic and diced carrot, cooking for 3-4 more minutes until fragrant and the carrots start to get tender.
2. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the crushed or fresh tomatoes, broth, and sugar (if using). Give everything a good stir, then bring the pot to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are soft and flavors meld together.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
Take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the soup until silky smooth. Or carefully pour portions into a blender and blend until creamy. Return the blended soup to the pot.
4. Add Flavor and Creaminess:
Stir in your dried or fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want your soup creamier, gently stir in the heavy cream or milk and warm it through—don’t let it boil.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the smooth tomato soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Serve with your favorite crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. You may need to simmer them a bit longer to soften completely before blending.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and skip the heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a rich, dairy-free version.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Freeze Smooth Tomato Soup?
Definitely! Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.