How can I make tomato soup creamier?

For a creamy tomato soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, coconut milk, or evaporated milk before serving. You can also swirl in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slight tang and pretty presentation.

How do I adjust the thickness of tomato soup?

To thin the soup before serving, add a splash of water or broth. If you'd like to thicken it, simmer uncovered to allow it to reduce slightly, or add a cornstarch slurry and simmer to thicken.

How can I make tomato soup less acidic or less sweet?

Add a pinch of sugar, a splash of cream, or pat of butter to balance the soup if it's too acidic. To reduce sweetness, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, a pinch of salt, or additional herbs and spices.

Easy Tomato Soup Recipe

Name: Easy Tomato Soup
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped; 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped; 2 ribs of celery, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve; 1 1/2 Tbsp. kosher salt; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes packed in juice, undrained; 4 2/3 cups water; 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil, to serve (optional)

Southern Living Tomato Soup in bowls topped with basil and olive oil — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

6 to 8

You can make a simple batch of this easy tomato soup any time of the year thanks to one special ingredient: canned tomatoes. These aren't your basic canned tomatoes, mind you. You want the very best premium canned tomatoes from Italy. Italian canned tomatoes are usually picked fully ripened and go from vineyard to can in less than six hours, with just salt to preserve them. This means that the tomatoes in the can are as close to a fresh-ripe garden tomato as you can get.

For truly next-level soup (not to mention pasta sauces or pizza), keep an eye out for the real-deal San Marzano del’Agro Sarnese Nocerino DOP tomatoes, which will be labeled with a pair of special seals and a serial number to guarantee authenticity. If your local supermarket does not carry them, it is worth hitting a local Italian market or ordering online.

This easy tomato soup recipe uses a technique of grinding the other vegetables into a paste and cooking to build layers of flavor. Caramelizing the tomato paste will help ensure your soup will have wonderful depth, and you’ll never know it started with canned tomatoes.

Learn how to make easy tomato soup, and go ahead and stock the cans of tomatoes now. You'll want this soup all the time.

Ingredients for Easy Tomato Soup

Create this quick and comforting tomato soup with just a few seasonings, vegetables, and canned whole peeled plum tomatoes. To make this easy tomato soup, you'll need:

Yellow onion, carrots, and celery: For a classic mirepoix to give the soup an aromatic base.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing the mirepoix.
Kosher salt: Seasons the soup.
Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor and a concentrated tomato taste to the soup.
Canned whole peeled plum tomatoes: The foundational flavor and texture for the soup. Can substitute with canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if needed.
Water: Liquid to create the soup base. Can substitute with vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Black pepper: For a warm, peppery spice.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat.
Fresh basil: Optional, to serve. Can substitute with fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme if preferred.

Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes for Tomato Soup

While this easy tomato soup relies on canned tomatoes for a quick cooking time and consistent flavor, there's no reason not to sub in fresh tomatoes when you're back in the peak of tomato season.

Note that fresh tomatoes can impart a vibrant, fresh flavor and natural sweetness to tomato soup, but may require a longer cooking time to break down properly. They can also vary in acidity and sweetness levels, so you may need to adjust the flavor of the soup accordingly. On the other hand, canned tomatoes are more consistent, are cost-effective year-round, and require no peeling or coring before using.

Want a combination of the two? Feel free to combine fresh and canned tomatoes for a unique flavor profile.

How To Make Easy Tomato Soup

This easy tomato soup comes together with just a few simple steps and under an hour of prep time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Make a vegetable paste: Process the onion, carrot and celery to a coarse paste.
Step 2. Cook vegetable paste: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot; add the vegetable mixture and salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetable mixture is golden brown.
Step 3. Add the tomato paste: Reduce heat, add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until lightly browned.
Step 4. Add tomatoes: Stir in the tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer, and cook until the tomatoes start to break down.
Step 5. Add seasonings: Stir in the black pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook, breaking down the whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Taste and season as needed.
Step 6. Blend the soup: Blend soup in batches or with an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
Step 7. Garnish, and serve the soup: Garnish with basil and olive oil, if desired, before serving.

Easy Tomato Soup Variations

This simple tomato soup recipe is versatile and easy to experiment with. Consider these variations when you're looking to mix things up:

Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
Creamy finish: Finish the soup with a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk, or a swirl of sour cream before serving for a creamy texture.
Heat: Amp up the heat with additional red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.
Cheese: Add grated Parmesan or Cheddar for a cheesy addition before serving.
Add protein: Sprinkle with crispy bacon, cooked shrimp, Italian sausage, or cubes of sautéed tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Other additions: Sautéed mushrooms, a swirl of pesto, or a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar can add a punch of flavor.

Can I Make Easy Tomato Soup Ahead?

You can make this tomato soup ahead, and in fact, the flavors will meld and deepen as it chills.

Prepare the soup, cool, and refrigerate, covered or in an airtight container, for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave small portions to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed and garnish fresh before serving.

What To Serve With Easy Tomato Soup

This simple soup is the perfect pairing for a variety of side dishes, including of course, a classic grilled cheese. An iconic duo, grilled cheese and tomato soup are a comforting pair. But don't stop there—serve this soup with crusty garlic bread, cheesy biscuits, crostini with goat cheese, cornbread croutons, and more for a hearty touch. Serve with a fresh salad, or pair with a quiche, frittata, or any protein you prefer.

More Easy Soup Recipes You'll Love

There's nothing better than being able to whip up a hot batch of soup on a cold winter day, especially if the recipe is as quick and easy to prepare as these busy-day favorites:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 ribs celery, roughly chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 (28-oz.) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes packed in juice, undrained
4 2/3 cups water
1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil, to serve (optional)

Directions

Make a vegetable paste:

In a food processor, pulse the onion, carrot and celery until a coarse paste forms.
Cook vegetable paste:

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium high heat until hot; add the vegetable mixture and the salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetable mixture is golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Add the tomato paste:

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
Add tomatoes:

Stir in the tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer, and let cook 10 minutes or until the tomatoes start to break down.
Add seasonings:

Add the black pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir well, using a wooden spoon to break down the tomatoes. Cook 20 more minutes, continuing to break down the whole tomatoes. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Blend the soup:

For a smoother soup, transfer tomato mixture, in batches, to a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure lid on blender, and place a clean towel over opening in lid. Process until smooth. (Or process soup in Dutch oven using an immersion blender.)
Garnish, and serve the soup:

Serve soup topped with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make tomato soup creamier?

For a creamy tomato soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, coconut milk, or evaporated milk before serving. You can also swirl in Greek yogurt or sour cream for a slight tang and pretty presentation.
How do I adjust the thickness of tomato soup?

To thin the soup before serving, add a splash of water or broth. If you'd like to thicken it, simmer uncovered to allow it to reduce slightly, or add a cornstarch slurry and simmer to thicken.
How can I make tomato soup less acidic or less sweet?

Add a pinch of sugar, a splash of cream, or pat of butter to balance the soup if it's too acidic. To reduce sweetness, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, a pinch of salt, or additional herbs and spices.