How to Make Delicious Tomato Soup at Home

There's nothing quite like the comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup to warm you up on a chilly day. With just a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious and customizable soup that's miles ahead of its store-bought counterparts. Plus, it’s a healthier, more flavorful option that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in!

Cooking the Perfect Tomato Soup

Making tomato soup at home is a simple process. Here's how you can create a rich, comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup:

1. Preparing the Tomatoes

To start, you'll need to prepare the tomatoes. Place them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes. Afterward, plunge them into an ice-cold water bath to stop the cooking process. This step makes it easier to peel the tomatoes. Once you've peeled the tomatoes, cut them into 1/2-inch chunks. Now your tomatoes are ready for the next step!

2. Cooking the Soup

Now, it’s time to start cooking your soup. Here’s what you’ll do:

Place the chopped tomatoes, including their seeds and juice, into a large Dutch oven or saucepan. Add in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and a bit of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté the onions until they are soft and golden, approximately 10-12 minutes. Add in 2 cups of chicken stock, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1-1 1/2 to 2-1/2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the soup to become silky and smooth. Once the soup starts to thicken, remove the onion bits and discard them. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to smash any large chunks of tomatoes or garlic to give the soup a slightly chunky and thick consistency. Finally, stir in the basil just before serving to preserve its freshness.

3. Adding the Finishing Touches

To finish your homemade tomato soup, follow these steps:

Heat a non-reactive pot over medium heat. Melt in 4 tablespoons of butter, then sauté onions until they are soft and golden. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir in two 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes with their juice, 2 cups of chicken stock, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and partially cover the pot, simmering for 10 minutes. If you prefer a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these in and return the soup to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then turn off the heat.

Tip: It is essential to use a non-reactive pot since the soup is tomato-based. Avoid aluminum, cast iron, or copper pots because they can react with tomatoes and make the soup taste metallic.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make delicious tomato soup at home, it's time to put on your chef’s hat and get cooking. Impress your family and friends with your homemade tomato soup, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a perfect bowl of comfort.