Creamy Tomato Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. This comforting soup combines the rich taste of tomatoes with a creamy texture, making it just right for a cozy meal. Using canned tomatoes makes this recipe simple and accessible, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish even when fresh tomatoes are not in season. It’s quick to prepare, yet full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend treat.

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or a generous pinch dried thyme)
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
• Optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine (see Recipe Notes)
• 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.)
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and carrots, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste browns and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and wine to the pot, stirring to combine well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches, filling it no more than ⅔ full. Remove the center cap from the lid and cover the hole with a towel while blending to avoid spills. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return the soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot.
6. Stir in the cream (or milk of your choice) and cook over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve with crusty bread or a Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Enjoy!

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with cracked black pepper, extra basil, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a delicious grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal that’s perfect for any winter day.

How to Store Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

Allow any leftovers to cool completely. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Tips to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

• For a bit of heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or parsley for a unique twist.
• If you want a thicker soup, blend a little less, or add a bit more tomato paste.
• Consider using vegetable stock for a richer flavor.

Variation

You can add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a heartier meal. Additionally, feel free to toss in some cooked vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to peel and chop them first. You might need to adjust the cooking time since fresh tomatoes are juicier.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without any dairy.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! The soup can be made a day ahead, and the flavors will deepen overnight. Just reheat before serving.

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting creamy tomato soup perfect for warming up on chilly days, quick to prepare and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or a generous pinch dried thyme)
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
• Optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine
• 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and carrots, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and wine, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover partially. Simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Blend the soup in batches until smooth and creamy, then return to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender.
6. Stir in the cream (or milk) and cook over medium-low heat until warmed, adjusting seasoning to taste.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with black pepper, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Notes

For a thicker soup, blend less or add more tomato paste. Experiment with herbs like oregano or parsley for a twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: soup, tomato, creamy, winter, comfort food