Enjoy a comforting bowl of Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes that captures the essence of homemade goodness. This delightful soup is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to quick lunch options. With the rich flavor of canned tomatoes enhanced by fresh herbs and a creamy finish, this soup is sure to warm your heart and soul on chilly days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this soup ready in about 35 minutes.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs and garlic elevates the taste of canned tomatoes, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter or main course; pair it with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a complete meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with tomatoes and herbs, this soup is low in calories yet high in flavor, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is appealing to both kids and adults, making it an easy go-to for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having everything on hand makes your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Chopping knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup evenly.
- Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup right in the pot without transferring it, making cleanup easier.
- Chopping knife: A sharp knife is crucial for efficiently chopping onions and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in your ingredients, helping you achieve the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned tomatoes (with juices) along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender instead, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until completely smooth.
Step 4: Finish with Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in heavy cream for a richer flavor if desired, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm over low heat until heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for an ideal meal. Enjoy!
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
Serving tomato soup is an opportunity to elevate the meal with delicious pairings and creative presentations. Here are some ideas to make your tomato soup experience even better.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: Serve warm, crusty bread alongside your soup for dipping. The texture complements the smoothness of the soup.
Add Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Classic Combo: A gooey grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect companion. The crunchiness balances the creamy soup and adds a comforting touch.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Extra Flavor: Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and an aromatic boost.
Serve in Bread Bowls
- Fun Presentation: Hollow out a small loaf of bread to create an edible bowl. This makes for a fun and interactive way to enjoy your soup!
Include a Side Salad
- Fresh Greens: A light mixed green salad can add freshness to your meal, enhancing the flavors of your tomato soup.
Offer Toppings Bar
- Customization: Set up a toppings bar with options like grated cheese, croutons, or diced avocado for guests to personalize their bowls.
How to Perfect Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
To enhance your tomato soup made with canned tomatoes, consider these simple tips that will take your recipe from good to great.
- Flavors: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, richer taste.
- Add Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you enjoy spicy dishes.
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes; San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can provide additional depth beyond the dried basil and oregano.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth amount slightly or blend less; for a thinner finish, add more broth.
- Garnish Creatively: Try drizzling olive oil or balsamic reduction on top before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
Pairing side dishes with your tomato soup can turn this comforting meal into something extraordinary. Here are some delightful options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that never disappoints; opt for different cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and creaminess alongside the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide both flavor and texture contrast.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers make for a fresh offering.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas cut into triangles are easy to dip into the tomato soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or quinoa offer hearty nutrition alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making tomato soup with canned tomatoes can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup is delicious.
- Skipping the aromatics: Not sautéing onions and garlic first can lead to a flat flavor. Always start with these ingredients for a flavorful base.
- Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to season can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
- Overblending the soup: Blending too long can make it watery. Blend just until smooth for the best texture.
- Not using quality tomatoes: Low-quality canned tomatoes can ruin the dish. Choose high-quality brands for maximum flavor.
- Neglecting garnishes: Serving without fresh herbs takes away freshness. Garnish with basil for enhanced taste and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store in an airtight container.
- item Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
- item Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- item Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C), cover soup, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop them before adding them to the pot, adjusting cooking time as needed.
How do I make Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes creamy?
To add creaminess, stir in heavy cream during the last step of cooking. This gives your soup a rich texture.
What can I serve with Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes?
Pair your soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers or spice it up with red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it with various herbs and spices to suit your palate. Perfect for chilly days or as a comforting starter, this recipe invites you to enjoy warm bowls of flavor that bring joy and satisfaction. Give it a try today!
Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in a warm bowl of Tomato Soup with Canned Tomatoes, the quintessential comfort food that effortlessly combines homemade goodness with simplicity. This delightful recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or quick lunches. With the rich flavors of canned tomatoes enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of cream, this soup is a heartwarming dish that will envelop you in warmth on chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in canned tomatoes (with juices) and broth. Stir in basil and oregano, then bring to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for richness; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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