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Tomato Soup Recipe – 5-Star Family Favorite
Make the attractive tomato soup recipe with this tested recipe. Step-by-step guide with pro tips for amazing results every time!
⚡ Key Takeaways for tomato soup recipe
- ✅ Total Time: 1 hour from start to finish
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy – this tomato soup recipe is perfect for beginners
- ✅ Servings: 10
- ✅ Best For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions
- ✅ Pro Tip: Read the full tomato soup recipe guide before starting
📑 Table of Contents
Tomato Soup Recipe
Warm up with the ultimate comfort: this easy homemade tomato soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing bowl of goodness.
This is the best tomato soup recipe you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.
If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This tomato soup recipe guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy this recipe turns out!
This Tomato Soup is comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s become a family favorite for good reason. Once you try this tomato soup recipe, your family will ask for it again and again.
Why trust this tomato soup recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof recipe that works every time.
Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal
Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience
“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”
📋 Quick Overview: tomato soup recipe
⏱️
Prep Time
15 minutes
🍳
Cook Time
45 minutes
⏰
Total Time
1 hour
🍽️
Servings
10
🔬 Why This tomato soup recipe Works Every Time
This tomato soup recipe is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes this tomato soup recipe special:
- Maillard Reaction: Browning the ingredients creates hundreds of flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, giving deep, complex taste.
- Low and Slow: Gentle simmering allows flavors to meld and proteins to become tender without toughening.
- Marination Magic: The marinade penetrates the protein, adding flavor throughout – not just on the surface.
- Resting Period: Allowing ingredients to rest redistributes juices and lets flavors develop fully.
- Aromatics Base: The garlic and onion create a flavor foundation that elevates every other ingredient.
🥘 Ingredients for Tomato Soup Recipe
Gather all items before you start making this tomato soup recipe. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 medium yellow onions, chopped (about 3½ cups)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped basil
🌿 Ingredient Tips:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients
- Bring proteins to room temperature before cooking
- Prep all ingredients before you start (mise en place)
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:
Step 1: In a large nonreactive pot (see note), heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. When the butter is melted, add the onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Do not brown; reduce heat if necessary. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes more, stirring to be sure garlic does not burn.
Add the flour and continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes more.
Step 2: Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, thyme, 1¼ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring to make sure that the flour is not sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 40 minutes.
Step 3: Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup until very smooth. (Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and purée in batches in a blender. Be sure to crack the lid or remove the center cap to allow steam to escape.) Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired. (Nutritional information below does not include optional garnishes.)
Step 4: Note: A nonreactive pot is made of a material that will not negatively react with acids. Glass, stainless steel or enameled pots are all safe to use. Nonstick pots are also okay but be sure there are no scratches in the non-stick coating.
Step 5: Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
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💡 Expert Tips for Tomato Soup Recipe
These pro tips will help you make the perfect tomato soup recipe every time:
🎯 Pro Tips for This Recipe:
- Chicken tip: Pat the chicken completely dry before cooking for better browning.
- Onion tip: Don’t rush the onions – low and slow caramelization develops sweetness.
- Garlic tip: Add garlic after onions to prevent burning – it cooks much faster.
- Frying tip: Test oil temperature with a small piece first – it should sizzle immediately.
- Soup tip: Season gradually throughout cooking – flavors concentrate as liquid reduces.
🔄 Tomato Soup Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This tomato soup recipe is very flexible. Here are some tested options:
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Turkey, tofu, or tempeh | Adjust cooking time for different proteins |
| Butter | Coconut oil or ghee | Use equal amounts |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend | Works perfectly in most recipes |
| Onion | Shallots or leeks | Milder flavor with shallots |
| Garlic | Garlic powder (1/4 tsp per clove) | Fresh is always better |
📜 The History of This Dish
Soup is one of the most ancient dishes known to humanity, dating back to around 20,000 BC when cooking pots were invented. The word “soup” comes from the French “soupe,” which originally meant bread soaked in broth.
Throughout history, soup has been both a peasant staple and a refined delicacy. In the 18th century, restaurants (from the French “restaurer,” to restore) were establishments that served restorative soups to Parisians. Today, soup remains the ultimate comfort food across all cultures.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes so your dish turns out perfect:
- Overcrowding the pan: When searing chicken, leave space between pieces. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning, resulting in pale, rubbery meat.
- Cutting into meat to check doneness: This releases juices. Use a meat thermometer instead – chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add it after onions are softened, and cook only until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
- Moving food too much: Let food sit undisturbed to develop a good sear. Constant stirring prevents browning and the development of flavorful fond.
- Boiling instead of simmering: Vigorous boiling can make proteins tough and break down vegetables too quickly. A gentle simmer with occasional bubbles is usually better.
- Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and season in layers. Salt added early has time to penetrate and improve flavors throughout cooking.
Remember: Cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
✅ Essential Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: 6-8 quart capacity
- Wooden spoon: For stirring without scratching
- Sharp knife: A dull knife is more dangerous
- Cutting board: Large enough to work comfortably
💜 Helpful but Optional:
- Immersion blender: For pureeing soups
- Kitchen timer: Or use your phone
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.
📊 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
389
Calories
12-20g
Protein
30-40g
Carbs
12-16g
Fat
Note: A balanced dish with a good mix of macronutrients.
✨ Health Benefits:
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Immune-boosting compounds
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:
🥗 Serve With:
- Crusty bread or breadsticks
- Simple green salad
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Crackers or croutons
🥤 Beverage Pairing: Pair with water, wine, or your favorite beverage.
Presentation tip: A beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving dishes, and consider the contrast of colors on the plate.
🥡 How to Store tomato soup recipe
Properly storing your tomato soup recipe ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.
🏠
Room Temp
3-5 days in a sealed box
❄️
Fridge
Up to 1 week sealed
🧊
Freezer
Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge
❓ tomato soup recipe FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions about this tomato soup recipe:
How long does it take to make Tomato Soup?
This Tomato Soup takes 1 hour total – 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
What ingredients do I need for Tomato Soup?
The main ingredients are: 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 medium yellow onions, 3 large garlic cloves, ¼ cup all purpose flour. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.
How do you store Tomato Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can you make Tomato Soup ahead of time?
This Tomato Soup recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
Can you freeze Tomato Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
How do you thicken Tomato Soup?
This Tomato Soup recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
📖 Complete tomato soup recipe
Here is the full tomato soup recipe with all ingredients and instructions:
Tomato Soup Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 1x
Description
Warm up with the ultimate comfort: this easy homemade tomato soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 medium yellow onions, chopped (about 3½ cups)
3 large garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all purpose flour
6 cups chicken broth
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Instructions
In a large nonreactive pot (see note), heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. When the butter is melted, add the onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Do not brown; reduce heat if necessary. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes more, stirring to be sure garlic does not burn. Add the flour and continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes more.
Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, thyme, 1¼ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring to make sure that the flour is not sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 40 minutes.
Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup until very smooth. (Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and purée in batches in a blender. Be sure to crack the lid or remove the center cap to allow steam to escape.) Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired. (Nutritional information below does not include optional garnishes.)
Note: A nonreactive pot is made of a material that will not negatively react with acids. Glass, stainless steel or enameled pots are all safe to use. Nonstick pots are also okay but be sure there are no scratches in the non-stick coating.
Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Notes
Substitution: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: Greek
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Last updated: January 26, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.
