Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

When it comes to comfort food, Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup is hard to beat! Fortunately it’s super easy to make and is ready in under one hour. Ready? Let’s get comfy!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through the link, I may make a commission at no cost to you. See my Affiliate Disclosure Policy for more information.

 

 

Who remembers Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom?

Growing up in the 70’s I always looked forward to Sunday nights — end of the week, church done, time to relax. It was the one time during the week that my mom, dad, brother and I sat down to watch t.v. together and was the absolute only time we were allowed to eat while watching! 

The line-up: Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom followed by The Wonderful World of Disney. Interesting, wholesome and classic.

Also classic was our dinner, which never varied:

• tomato soup
• grilled cheese sandwiches
• chocolate milk

There was just something about the gooey cheese (white bread and American slices), hot soup (out of a can!) and cold milk (made with chocolate syrup) that made Sundays with my family THE BEST.

Ahhh. I love those comforting memories. But what I don’t love is canned tomato soup! These days when I need a comforting mug of soup I make it from scratch. The ingredients are simple, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

 

Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup ingredients

 

• Crushed Tomatoes. You can use diced or even whole canned tomatoes, but I prefer crushed. They still have some texture but are smooth enough that I don’t have to puree the soup later.

 

• Butter. In an early version of this soup I sautéed the onion in butter before adding the rest of the ingredients. Then I got lazy and discovered that it’s not really necessary and, hey, if I can make something equally delicious in less time, I’m all for it! I kept the butter, though, as it lends flavor and adds to the creamy texture.

 

• Onions. You need only 1/2 cup of chopped onions to add just the right bite : ) that takes this creamy tomato soup from basic to YUM. I like the texture of finely chopped onions, but you can chop yours any size you like.

 

• Sugar. Tomatoes can be tart! Adding just a touch of sweetener cuts the acid and makes for a smoother tasting soup. You can substitute agave or honey or leave it out completely if you prefer.

 

• Chicken Stock. The stock definitely adds to the flavor, but you can substitute vegetable stock or even water if it’s all you have. Here’s a secret: add a splash or so of umami-rich Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce to water to make a tasty stock substitute.

 

• Flour. Used as a thickener here. For alternative thickeners, substitute cornstarch, add tomato paste or just cook the soup a bit longer (uncovered — just make sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t stick and burn)

 

• Evaporated Milk. Using canned evaporated milk makes for a creamier soup, but you may substitute half and half, being sure not to boil the soup after adding it. You could also make your own: Just heat 2-1/2 cups milk on the stove til reduced to 1-1/2 cup.

 

• Baking Soda. Crazy ingredient to put in soup, right? Well actually it serves a real purpose! Baking soda helps to neutralize the acid in the tomatoes, playing nicely with the sugar to create a full-bodied soup with creamy (and not bitter) tomato flavor.

 

How to make creamy homemade Tomato Soup

Into a soup pot place (here’s my favorite 4 quart stainless steel pot):

4 tbsp butter

½ cup onion, finely chopped

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp black pepper

1-28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1-½ tsp sugar, agave or honey

1 tsp salt

Simmer uncovered on low for 15 minutes.

In a glass jar with lid put:

2 cups chicken stock you may substitute vegetable stock

3 tbsp flour

Shake until well blended, then add to the soup pot.

Also add:

1-12 oz can evaporated milk

¼ tsp baking soda

Continue to simmer uncovered on low for 20 minutes more, stirring and scraping frequently to prevent soup from sticking and burning.

Serve in a bowl or mug with saltine crackers for nostalgia or Pesto Parmesan Crostini for flavor!

Update: A reader suggested sautéeing the onions in the butter before adding the rest of the tomato soup ingredients. A great suggestion as this definitely adds flavor! It takes only a few more minutes, so proceed with whichever method you choose.

Tomato Soup Serving Ideas

• Add a drizzle of pesto and some toasted slivered almonds.
• Top with crumbled bacon, either plain or candied.
• Spoon on a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
• Top with croutons made from toasted leftover cornbread.

 

 

 

pin it for later