A rich, comforting tomato soup doesn’t need fancy ingredients — the key is layering flavors: sautéed aromatics, a touch of cream, maybe a hint of herbs or roasted tomatoes for depth.
Here’s a full recipe for Creamy Tomato Soup that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for dunking grilled cheese:
🍅 Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole or diced tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh basil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for extra creaminess)
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons
- Shredded Parmesan
Directions
1️⃣ Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Cook onion and carrot until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Add tomatoes & broth
Add canned tomatoes (with juice) and broth.
Stir in basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer 15–20 minutes.
3️⃣ Blend for creaminess
Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a countertop blender) to puree until smooth.
4️⃣ Finish with cream
Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat gently — don’t boil.
5️⃣ Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish as desired, and pair with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.
🔥 Flavor Boost Tips
- Roast fresh tomatoes instead of using canned for a deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tangy sweetness.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- A few red pepper flakes give a gentle kick.
This is basically the comfort food dream team — like what you’d get at a classic diner in Chicago.
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