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    Home » Recipes » Soups » Homemade Tomato Soup: an Easy Fresh Recipe

    LAST UPDATED: May 28, 2020 • FIRST PUBLISHED: August 6, 2019 By Toni Dash 151 Comments

    Homemade Tomato Soup: an Easy Fresh Recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Homemade Tomato Soup title image

     Homemade Tomato Soup is made with fresh tomatoes and just a handful of other wholesome ingredients. You’ll never want it store bought again!

    Homemade Tomato Soup title image

    Tomato soup is a classic comfort food. My childhood was filled with from-a-can Cream of Tomato and grilled cheese sandwiches.

    I still love and crave both today.

    But did you know you can make Homemade Tomato Soup? It’s easy and delicious too.

    It’s very affordable to make from scratch with fresh tomatoes.

    It can be made with home grown garden tomatoes or hot house ripened tomatoes in the dead of winter!

    The recipe is flexible with some delicious ways to change it up listed below

     

    It can be served hot OR cold too making it perfect for every season!

    ingredients for tomato soup

    Recipe Ingredients

    The ingredients for this recipe are simple and wholesome. Most, if not all, you probably have in your kitchen now!

    • Yellow Onion
    • Unsalted Butter
    • All-Purpose Flour (regular or gluten-free)
    • Milk
    • Water
    • Tomato Puree (tomato paste may be substituted for a stronger flavor)
    • Tomatoes
    • Salt and Pepper

    What Type of Tomatoes to Use 

    Any tomatoes can be used in this Tomato Soup recipe. Their flavor will directly translate to the flavor of the soup!

    For instance, Roma or Plum tomatoes, the smaller, darker oval-shaped tomatoes most commonly used for tomato sauce, have less water.

    Their flavor will create a denser tomato-flavored soup.

    Home grown heirloom tomatoes will have a completely different flavor!

    This gives total flexibility to create a soup to match your favorite tomato flavor.

    There is ONE key….

    fresh tomatoes and Italian Parsley

    Use Ripe Tomatoes!

    Because the natural flavor of the tomatoes being used determines the flavor of the recipe, using fully ripe tomatoes is key!

    We’ve all had hot house grown tomatoes from the grocery store in the winter that are more pink than true red.

    Their flavor is very mild and not what a true ripened tomato tastes like.

    Selecting fully ripe tomatoes will create the most flavorful re!

    Chopping tomatoes collage

    Time-saving Tip for Chopping the Tomatoes

    Since the tomato soup is pureed at the end, you can save time processing them through a food processor versus hand chopping!

    Either will work, but this time-saving tip is a good one for making diced tomatoes!

    Eat this Tomato Soup Hot OR Cold

    A wonderful thing about this homemade recipe is that it is fantastic hot OR cold!

    Like many tomato-based foods, the flavor actually improves the next day making it perfect for leftovers or to chill and eat it cold.

    Serve it HOT: it can be served right after cooking, or reheated later.

    Serve it COLD: prepare the soup, allow to cool slightly and chill in the refrigerator to serve cold more like a Gazpacho.

    homemade tomato soup in white bowl

    How to Make Tomato Soup – Step-by-Step

    This recipe is easy and takes less than 45 minutes!

    Most of that time is simmering and needs no attention from you!

    PRO TIP: the recipe is cooked over low temperatures to avoid browning the onions, the roux (pronounced ‘roo’; the flour/butter mixture that thickens the recipe) and the milk.

    Browning will change the flavor!

    STEP 1: In a large, heavy Dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat (photo 1).

    STEP 2: Add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes (photo 2).

    STEP 3: Stir in the flour to coat the onions. Reduce heat to low (photo 3).

    Making a roux for homemade tomato soup collage

    STEP 4: Gradually pour in the milk and water (photo 4); stir or whisk constantly to combine and allow the mixture to thicken (2-3 minutes) (photo 5).

    NOTE: though difficult to capture in the photo, the mixture will be more golden in color and the thickening is obvious when stirring the mixture.

    Making Homemade Tomato Soup process steps collage

    STEP 5: Add the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine (photo 6).

    STEP 6: With the heat on low, allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the onions are cooked and the tomatoes are soft (approximately 30 minutes). Do not bring to a boil!

    STEP 7: Blend the soup using one of the two methods suggested below (photo 7 after blending with an immersion blender).

    Homemade Tomato Soup final collage

    Best Way to Blend Homemade Tomato Soup

    The texture is very personal to each dinner. Some like it chunkier, some like it smooth.

    There are two ways to blend this soup at the end:

    1. Use a blender. If using a blender, use the Blend or Puree function (puree will create the smoothest texture) and blend in batches. Cycle portions of the cooked tomato soup through the blender and back into a mixing bowl or pot.
    2. Use an immersion blender (also called a hand-held blender or stick blender): my preferred method. This tool makes quick work of blending a full pot of soup without transferring it anywhere. Using an immersion blender also helps to control how smooth or chunky it is more easily.

    How to: Insert the blending end of the immersion blender into the soup and pulse to achieve the desired texture.

    homemade tomato soup with immersion blender

    Tip for using an Immersion Blender

    Be sure to keep the blending end submerged in the under the surface or it will splatter!

    Also, if there are large chunks of tomatoes or onions, place the blender directly on top of them to puree.

    Does it Need to be Strained?

    The recipe does not call for the soup to be strained. 

    I’ve found, as seen in the photos, that when using an immersion blender there were no fragments of tomato skin.

    However if you’d like a smoother texture or your tomatoes have thicker skin, put the soup through a strainer after blending it. 

    Serve with Homemade Croutons

    Crusty croutons are delicious in this homemade tomato soup. Here is an easy way to make them:

    • Slice a slender baguette into 1/2-inch slices OR cut some French bread (or other rustic bread) into large cubes.
    • Toss with some olive oil (and dried herbs if desired)
    • Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese
    • Broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching to ensure no burning.
    • Allow to cool slightly and then add croutons to the soup (note: when serving the soup hot).

    homemade tomato soup in white bowl 2 servings

    Ways to Change Up this Soup

    An exciting thing about this recipe is the flexibility to change it up!

    Here is just a start of what you can do:

    • Drizzle flavored olive oil on top (I used Pesto Oil that was fantastic)
    • Add favorite fresh or dried herbs to the recipe to change the flavor. Favorites include: fresh basil, thyme, dill, parsley, rosemary or oregano.
      • Dried herbs: toss 1 teaspoon in when sautéing the onions.
      • Fresh herbs: add 1 tablespoon them with the tomatoes.
    • Add some adobo sauce for some smoky heat.
    • Add some fresh salsa when adding the tomatoes for a gazpacho flavor.
    • Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top before serving (when serving soup hot).
    • Add some diced garlic cloves when sauteing the onions.
    • Place a spoonful of fresh pesto on the top when serving (on hot or cold soup).
    • Have leftover roasted vegetables? Add them in when the tomatoes are cooking.

    Storing Leftovers

    Allow the soup to cool and store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for 3-4 days.

    Can I Freeze this Tomato Soup?

    Unfortunately it is not recommended to freeze soups that contain dairy milk. They take on a grainy consistency.

    If the soup is made only with water (instead of milk AND water), it can be frozen:

    • Allow it to fully cool,
    • Add it to a freezer-safe container (with 1/2-inch room on top for expansion),
    • Freeze for up to 6 months.homemade tomato soup in white bowl 2 servings

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    Homemade Tomato Soup title image

    Homemade Tomato Soup

    This delicious soup is made with fresh tomatoes and can be eaten hot or cold!
    5 from 97 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8 Aproximately 8 1-cup servings
    Calories: 104kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 small Yellow Onion chopped
    • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter
    • 1 ounce (1/4 cup) All Purpose Flour regular or gluten-free
    • 1 cup Milk
    • 1 cup Water
    • ¼ cup Tomato Puree tomato paste may be substituted for a stronger flavor
    • 4 pounds large Tomatoes chopped
    • Kosher Salt to taste
    • Black Pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • In a large, heavy Dutch oven or stock pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
    • Add the onions can sauté for 2 minutes.
    • Stir in the flour to coat the onions. Reduce heat to low.
    • Gradually pour in the milk and water; stir or whisk constantly to combine and allow the mixture to thicken (2-3 minutes).
    • Add the tomato puree and chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
    • With the heat on low, allow the mixture to simmer until the onions are cooked and the tomatoes are soft (approximately 30 minutes).
    • When the soup is finished cooking it can be served as is. For a smoother texture process in batches through a conventional blender or use an immersion (stick) blender for desired texture.
    • Salt and pepper to taste before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    Note on Total Time: the ripeness of the tomatoes used, whether the soup is pureed at the end, and the method used, can add more time to the recipe total time.

    Does the Soup Need to be Strained?

    The recipe does not call for the soup to be strained and if using an immersion blender there shouldn't be any tomato skin in the soup (see photos). However for a smoother soup, or if using thick-skinned tomatoes, you can strain it through a sieve after blending.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2070IU | Vitamin C: 32.6mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 0.9mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Suzanne Kelley says

      August 27, 2021 at 7:03 am

      I love this soup! Find I have no milk. Would powdered milk work do you think?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        August 27, 2021 at 9:12 pm

        Gosh Suzanne I’d be tempted to wait until you have some milk again.

        Reply
    2. Swathi says

      August 24, 2021 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      This homemade tomato soup is delicious!

      Reply
    3. Agnieszka says

      August 23, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is simple and delicious!

      Reply
    4. Michelle says

      August 23, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      Loved using our garden tomatoes in this soup!

      Reply
    5. Angela says

      August 23, 2021 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love homemade tomato soup. It is the best with fresh garden tomatoes. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Audrey says

      August 23, 2021 at 4:32 pm

      5 stars
      This was so yummy!

      Reply
    7. Leslie says

      August 23, 2021 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      Delicious, classic recipe!

      Reply
    8. Jeri says

      August 23, 2021 at 11:15 am

      This was the perfect recipe for my garden tomatoes! Great flavor!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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