Quick and Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

The Heart of the Soup

Let’s start with the onions and garlic. They go into the pot first. You cook them until they smell sweet and look shiny.

This step builds the flavor base. It matters because it gives the soup a deep, comforting taste. I think it’s the secret to any good soup.

A Little Story for You

My grandson once tried to skip cooking the onions. He was in a hurry. The soup tasted flat and boring.

We had to start over. I still laugh at that. Now he knows some steps you just can’t rush. Good things take a little time.

The Magic of Simmering

Once everything is in the pot, it needs to simmer. The bubbles should be small and gentle. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

This slow cooking blends all the flavors together. It makes the soup taste like one happy family. That’s why this matters so much.

*Fun fact*: The bay leaves add a subtle, flowery note. But don’t forget to take them out before you eat!

Your Turn to Share

What is your favorite food to eat on a rainy day? Is it soup, or maybe something else? Tell me about it.

And what do you like to dip in your tomato soup? A grilled cheese sandwich is my winner. What is yours?

A Final Thought

This soup is more than just food. It is a warm hug in a bowl. It can turn a bad day into a good one.

That is the real power of cooking. It fills your belly and your heart. Will you try making this for someone you love?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
extra virgin olive oil	3 tablespoons
salted sweet cream butter	3 tablespoons
sweet yellow onion, finely diced	1½ cups
fresh garlic, minced	1 tablespoon
all-purpose flour	3 tablespoons
tomato puree	58 ounces
vegetable broth	32 ounces
tomato paste	1 tablespoon
granulated sugar	1 tablespoon
kosher salt	1½ teaspoons
dried basil	1 teaspoon
fresh cracked black pepper	½ teaspoon
red pepper flakes	⅛ teaspoon
bay leaves	2 whole
basil, thinly sliced	2 tablespoons	optional garnish

Quick and Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of tomato soup. It feels like a hug from the inside. My own grandkids ask for this recipe all the time.

It’s so simple to make. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now. Let’s get that pot simmering on the stove.

• Step 1: Grab your big stockpot. Put it on the stove over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil and that lovely butter. I love the sound of butter sizzling. It makes the whole kitchen smell like dinner.
• Step 2: Now, toss in your diced onion and garlic. Stir them around often. You want them soft and see-through, not brown. This takes about five to seven minutes. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t walk away from the onions! They can burn so fast.)
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour right over the onions. Whisk it all together. You need to cook it for two full minutes. This gets rid of the raw flour taste. It’s what makes your soup nice and thick later on.
• Step 4: Time for the tomato puree, broth, and tomato paste. Stir it really well. Make sure that tomato paste completely dissolves. I still laugh at the time I didn’t mix it properly. We found a little red blob later!
• Step 5: Now, add all your spices and the sugar. Don’t forget the two bay leaves! They look like little boats. Let the soup come to a gentle bubble. Then turn the heat down to medium. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it now and then. What’s your favorite cozy soup for a rainy day? Share below!
• Step 6: Take the pot off the heat. Now, you must find those bay leaves and take them out. They’ve done their job. They gave all their flavor to the soup.
• Step 7: Ladle the soup into bowls. If you have it, sprinkle some fresh basil on top. It looks so pretty and tastes so fresh. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 50mins
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is wonderful just as it is. But sometimes, it’s fun to play with your food. Here are a few ideas my family loves.

• The Grilled Cheese Dipper: Stir a handful of shredded cheddar cheese right into your hot bowl. It gets all melty and wonderful.
• The Cozy Creamy Dream: Right before serving, swirl in a big spoonful of heavy cream. It makes it extra rich and silky.
• The Garden Herb Boost: Use fresh oregano or thyme instead of dried basil. It gives it a whole new personality.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

A good soup deserves good friends. For me, that means something to dip. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect partner. I also love a side of buttery crackers for crunch.

For a drink, a tall glass of iced tea is just right. It’s cool and refreshing. If you’re having a special night, a simple glass of red wine pairs beautifully. It just feels grown-up and nice.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Tomato Soup Cozy

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool completely first. Then pop it in a sealed container for up to four days.

It freezes wonderfully for a future busy night. I use old yogurt tubs for freezing. They are the perfect single-serving size.

I once reheated soup straight from the freezer. It took forever and made a mess. Now I thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheat it gently on the stove. Stir it often so it warms evenly. A little extra broth can thin it if needed.

Making a double batch saves so much time. You get a warm meal now and later. This matters on days you are just too tired.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Is your soup a bit too thin? Let it simmer for five more minutes. The extra heat helps thicken it nicely.

I remember when my soup tasted too sharp. The tomatoes can be a little tart. A tiny pinch more sugar fixes that right up.

Getting the flavor just right matters. It makes you feel like a great cook. This builds your confidence in the kitchen.

Did you forget to take out the bay leaves? Do not worry, it happens to everyone. Just fish them out before you serve.

Fixing small problems improves the final flavor. A tasty meal brings everyone to the table. That is the real goal of cooking.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Tomato Soup Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes, just swap the flour for cornstarch. It works just as well to thicken the soup.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely, the flavors get even better. It is a perfect make-ahead meal.

Q: What if I do not have tomato paste? A: You can simply leave it out. The soup will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Sure, just cut all the ingredients in half. It is easy to adjust.

Q: Is the fresh basil important? A: It is a lovely, fresh finish. But dried basil in the soup is fine too.

Fun fact: Tomato plants are related to potatoes and eggplants.

Which tip will you try first?

Until Next Time, My Dear

I hope this soup brings warmth to your kitchen. It is one of my favorite recipes to share. Nothing beats a bowl of homemade goodness.

I would love to see your creations. Your photos always make my day. Sharing food is a way to share love.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.