As I ladled the rich, comforting soup into bowls, an immediate wave of warmth enveloped me, reminiscent of cozy weekends spent indoors. This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is not just a meal; it’s an embrace in a bowl, perfect for battling chilly days. With its velvety texture and delightful blend of garlic, tomatoes, and cream, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it a go-to for anyone seeking comfort without a fuss. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich—what’s not to love about that? Not to mention, there’s a vegan option that allows everyone to join in on the cozy goodness! Ready to discover how to turn a few pantry staples into a soul-soothing dish that’ll leave you coming back for seconds? Why is this soup a must-try? Comforting Warmth: Each spoonful of this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup wraps you in cozy goodness, perfect for chilly days. Easy and Quick: With minimal prep time, this recipe is designed for even the busiest cooks, allowing you to enjoy homemade flavor without the hassle. Flavorful Blend: The rich combination of garlic and tomatoes creates a symphony of deliciousness, enhancing any meal occasion. Versatile Options: Whether you prefer canned tomatoes or want to test with fresh, this recipe adapts beautifully to your pantry favorites. Dietary Friendly: With a simple modification, it can cater to vegan diets; just swap in coconut milk or cashew cream. Serve it alongside a delectable grilled cheese sandwich for a heartwarming meal that pleases everyone! Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup Ingredients For the Soup Base • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics, but can be substituted with vegetable oil for a lighter flavor. • Onion – Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; yellow or white onions are ideal for this recipe. • Garlic – Essential for aromatic flavor; fresh cloves are recommended, though garlic powder works in a pinch. • Canned Crushed Tomatoes – The soul of the soup delivering acidity and sweetness; feel free to use fresh tomatoes (about 2 pounds) if you prefer. • Vegetable Broth – Adds liquid and umami; chicken broth can be used for those who prefer a non-vegetarian alternative. • Dried Basil – Introduces herbal notes to the soup; fresh basil added towards the end brightens the flavor. • Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes; honey or agave syrup are suitable alternatives. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on your preference. For Creamy Texture • Heavy Cream – Creates the rich, creamy texture that makes the soup comforting; substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version. This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is not only easy to make but also brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Enjoy the cozy vibes! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Step 1: Sauté Aromatics In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it turns translucent and begins to soften, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant, stirring gently to avoid burning. Step 2: Simmer Soup Base Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes along with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, a pinch of sugar, and season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 3: Blend the Soup Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender directly in the pot. If using a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly, then blend in batches. Return it to the pot once blended, ensuring it’s velvety and creamy—a signature characteristic of this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup. Step 4: Add Cream Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing until fully combined. Continue to heat just until the soup is warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary for optimal flavor. Step 5: Serve Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately, paired with a side of crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of this comforting dish. What to Serve with Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Cozy up to a complete meal that will have you savoring every last drop of this rich and creamy delight. Crusty Bread: The perfect companion, this bread helps to soak up every delicious bit, enhancing your soup experience. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Melty and gooey, a classic pairing that brings nostalgia and comfort, making each bite delightful. Garden Salad: A burst of freshness with crisp greens and vibrant veggies, balancing the soup’s creamy richness beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Add earthy flavors with seasonal vegetables; their caramelization brings a delightful texture contrast. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Crispy outside and soft inside, these bring a cheesy twist and are irresistible when dipped into the soup. Homemade Croutons: Crunchy and savory, they add an exciting texture while being easily customizable with your favorite spices. Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle this over the soup just before serving for an aromatic pop of flavor, elevating each spoonful. Sangria or Red Wine: Pair with a fruity sangria or a glass of red wine to enhance the rich flavors of the tomatoes and cream. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, end your meal on a sweet note; the classic chocolate chip cookie complements the savory soup effortlessly. Apple Crisp: A warm, comforting dessert that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s flavors and gives your meal a pleasant sweet finish. Make Ahead Options These Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) are ideal for meal prep! You can sauté the onion and garlic up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to simply combine them with the crushed tomatoes and broth when you’re ready to cook. Additionally, the soup can be made completely ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to prevent browning. When it’s time to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stove and stir in the heavy cream until warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy comforting, homemade flavor with minimal fuss on busy weeknights! Storage Tips for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness. Freezer: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion and label the containers with the date. Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. Thickening: If the soup thickens during storage, simply stir in a little broth or water while reheating to achieve your desired consistency for this cozy dish. Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup Variations Feel free to get creative with this comforting soup and tailor it to your taste buds! Vegan Twist: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to ensure everyone enjoys this warm hug in a bowl. Fresh Flavor: Use 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a garden-fresh essence that embodies summer even in winter. Herb Boost: Try adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of oregano at the end for a burst of herbal brightness that elevates the flavor profile. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a zingy twist, perfect for those who crave a little heat. Chunky Style: Toss in diced carrots or bell peppers while sautéing the aromatics for added texture and extra nutrition in every bite. Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated parmesan or nutritional yeast at the end for a cheesy flavor that beautifully complements the creaminess of the soup. Balsamic Balance: A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances taste by balancing the sweetness and acidity, giving a delightful depth to your soup. However you choose to modify it, you’ll find that your soup can become a uniquely cozy experience! For another delightful meal idea, try pairing it with a comforting grilled cheese sandwich or dipping some crusty bread into your perfect bowl of warmth. Expert Tips for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup Blending Technique: Aim for silky smoothness by blending the soup just until creamy. Over-blending may lead to a watery consistency. Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in diced carrots or bell peppers during the sautéing step for extra nutrition without compromising flavor. Season Generously: Always taste before serving. The flavors deepen as the soup simmers, so adjust seasoning for the best Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup experience. Storage Smart: Cool the soup completely before refrigerating. It can stay fresh for up to three days; just add a splash of broth when reheating to restore texture. Vegan Substitute: Don’t hesitate to swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a delightful vegan option that retains creaminess. Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe FAQs What type of canned tomatoes should I use for this soup? Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using quality canned crushed tomatoes. Look for those that say “San Marzano” or have no added preservatives. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can substitute using about 2 pounds, but remember they will require a longer cooking time to soften properly. How should I store leftover soup? This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to keep the flavors fresh. If you find the soup thickens during storage, simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Can I freeze Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup? Yes! You can freeze this soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. When defrosting, simply move it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to enjoy it, and reheat gently on the stovetop while adding a bit of broth or water to restore the creaminess. What are some common troubleshooting tips for this recipe? If your soup turns out too acidic, you can balance it out by adding a bit more sugar or honey. Conversely, if it’s too thick after blending, gradually stir in vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving—flavors meld beautifully while simmering and sometimes need a little extra love! Is this soup suitable for people with allergies? Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to avoid any allergens. This recipe can be made vegan by using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Always make sure to inform your guests about the ingredients if they have dietary restrictions or allergies. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? The more the merrier! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to ramp up nutrition. Add them during the sautéing step with the onions for the best texture and flavor integration. Cozy Up with Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days, made with canned tomatoes and rich flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 355 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil1 Onion, chopped Yellow or white onions are ideal3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is recommended28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes (about 2 pounds) can also be used2 cups Vegetable Broth Chicken broth can be used for non-vegetarian option1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh basil can be added towards the end1 teaspoon Sugar Honey or agave syrup are suitable alternativesSalt and Pepper Adjust to tasteFor Creamy Texture1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version Equipment Large PotImmersion Blender Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it turns translucent and begins to soften. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes along with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, a pinch of sugar, and season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. If using a countertop blender, allow it to cool slightly, then blend in batches. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until combined. Heat just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg NotesEnjoy the cozy vibes with this soul-soothing soup that brings warmth and joy to your kitchen. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
