Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re sharing our favorite thick creamy tomato soup recipe with you. This homemade tomato bisque is the epitome of comfort, perfect for warming you up on chilly days. There’s something special about making it from scratch that elevates the flavors and creates a truly satisfying experience.
Our recipe takes the classic tomato soup to new heights with a few delicious twists. We’ve added roasted red pepper for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. The combination of parmesan and cream gives it that luxurious, creamy texture. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
With our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a velvety smooth tomato soup that rivals any store-bought version. And the best part is, you can customize it to your liking. Add some grilled chicken or serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.
Are you ready to dive into the world of homemade tomato bisque? Let’s get started with the ingredients and instructions in the next section.
Ingredients and Instructions for Thick Creamy Tomato Soup
To make this delicious tomato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (or unsalted butter)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan
Now let’s get started with the instructions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or melt the butter) over medium heat.
- Add the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste caramelizes and turns a deep red color.
- Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, blend the soup until smooth or to your desired consistency.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and milk. If desired, add sugar and cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat through.
- Finally, stir in the freshly grated parmesan, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
And that’s it! Your thick creamy tomato soup is ready to be served and enjoyed.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil (or unsalted butter) | 1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or melt the butter) over medium heat. |
| Tomato paste | 2. Add the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste caramelizes and turns a deep red color. |
| Minced garlic | 2. Add the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste caramelizes and turns a deep red color. |
| Canned whole peeled tomatoes | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Roasted red bell pepper | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Thyme | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Black pepper | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Salt | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Onion powder | 3. Add the canned tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper, thyme, black pepper, salt, and onion powder to the pot. Break the tomatoes apart with a spoon. |
| Basil leaves | 4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. |
| Heavy cream | 6. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and milk. If desired, add sugar and cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat. |
| Milk | 6. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and milk. If desired, add sugar and cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat. |
| Sugar (optional) | 6. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and milk. If desired, add sugar and cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat. |
| Cayenne (optional) | 6. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream and milk. If desired, add sugar and cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat. |
| Freshly grated parmesan | 8. Finally, stir in the freshly grated parmesan, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. |
Tips and Variations for Thick Creamy Tomato Soup
Here are some tips and variations for making the perfect thick creamy tomato soup:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of olive oil and butter when caramelizing the tomato paste and garlic.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend it less to retain some texture.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute, but fresh basil adds unbeatable flavor.
- Adding sautéed onions before adding the tomato paste and garlic can enhance the flavor.
Optional toppings:
- A drizzle of olive oil
- More grated parmesan
- Croutons
- Grilled cheese bites
These toppings will elevate the taste and presentation of your creamy tomato soup. Whether you want a touch of freshness from the basil, added richness from the sautéed onions, or some extra crunch and cheesiness from the toppings, these variations will take your soup to the next level.
This image showcases a bowl of delicious creamy tomato basil soup, visualizing the end result of your cooking. It’s a perfect representation of the comforting and flavorful experience you can expect from this vegetarian tomato soup recipe.
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe Video
If you’re more of a visual learner, we have a step-by-step video tutorial of this thick creamy tomato soup recipe available. The video will guide you through the entire process, from gathering the ingredients to the final touches. By watching the video, you’ll be able to see all the necessary techniques and ensure you’re following the correct steps. It’s a great way to visualize the recipe and gain confidence in your cooking skills.
To watch the video, simply visit the link below:
Make sure to have your ingredients ready and your kitchen utensils prepped before starting the video. By the end of the tutorial, you’ll be well-equipped to create a delicious batch of homemade thick creamy tomato soup.
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe Tips and FAQs
Here are some additional tips and frequently asked questions for making this creamy tomato soup:
- Use high-quality canned peeled whole tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes, for the best flavor.
- If you’re looking for a richer flavor, add some butter along with the tomato paste and garlic.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, but the taste won’t be the same.
- You can also add sautéed onions to the soup for added flavor.
- If the soup is too sour or acidic, make sure you’re using a non-reactive pot and adjust the sugar and cream accordingly.
FAQs
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Why should I use high-quality canned tomatoes?
High-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano tomatoes, have a rich and intense flavor that can elevate your tomato soup. They are usually sweeter and less acidic, resulting in a better taste.
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Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While you can substitute dried basil for fresh basil, keep in mind that the taste won’t be the same. Fresh basil adds a vibrant and aromatic flavor to the soup that dried basil cannot fully replicate. If fresh basil is not available, you can use dried basil as a substitute, but adjust the quantity according to your taste.
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Should I add sautéed onions to the soup?
Adding sautéed onions can enhance the flavor of the soup by adding a subtle sweetness. It’s a great way to add depth to the tomato base and complement the other ingredients. If you enjoy the taste of onions, we recommend giving it a try.
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How can I reduce the sourness or acidity of the soup?
If your tomato soup turns out too sour or acidic, there are a couple of things you can do. First, make sure you’re using a non-reactive pot, such as stainless steel or enameled cast iron, to avoid any metallic taste. Secondly, you can balance out the acidity by adding a teaspoon of sugar at a time until it reaches the desired taste. Lastly, adjusting the amount of cream can also help mellow the acidity.
Still have questions? Let us know!
If you have any more questions about making this creamy tomato soup or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you create a delicious and comforting meal!
Creamy Tomato Soup Serving Suggestions
This thick creamy tomato soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use any sliced bread, such as brioche, and add a combination of medium sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the cheese. Another serving suggestion is to make grilled cheese bites and use them as “croutons” on top of the soup. Other garnishes include a drizzle of olive oil, more grated parmesan, croutons, cracked black pepper, and fresh basil.
More Soup Recipes to Try
If you love this thick creamy tomato soup, we have some delicious soup recipes that you should try. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of homemade tomato bisque, easy tomato soup, or vegetarian tomato soup, we’ve got you covered.
Homemade Tomato Bisque: Indulge in the rich and velvety flavors of homemade tomato bisque. This comforting soup is made with ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream for added creaminess. It’s the perfect option for those looking for a more elevated and sophisticated tomato soup experience.
Easy Tomato Soup: If you’re looking for a quick and fuss-free recipe, easy tomato soup is the way to go. Made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, onions, and herbs, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a warm and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Vegetarian Tomato Soup: For our vegetarian friends, we have a delicious tomato soup recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This vegetarian tomato soup is packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for those following a plant-based lifestyle.