Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. While many recipes call for fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes offer a convenient and time-saving alternative, especially during off-season. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious and hearty tomato soup from canned tomatoes.
Canned tomatoes have a slightly concentrated flavor, so it’s important to balance it out with other ingredients. Onions, garlic, and herbs add depth and complexity to the soup. A touch of sweetness from carrots or sugar helps counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create a soup that suits your taste.
When choosing canned tomatoes, opt for whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes. Whole tomatoes can be blended for a smoother texture, while diced and crushed tomatoes provide a more rustic feel. Whatever type you choose, make sure to drain the tomatoes before using them to prevent the soup from becoming watery.
How To Make
Making tomato soup from canned tomatoes is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s what you need and a step-by-step guide to help you create a delicious and comforting soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Blender or immersion blender (optional)
Step by step:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the drained canned tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, oregano, and basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the soup has thickened.
- If desired, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Tips or Possible Variation:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of whole tomatoes and tomato paste. The tomato paste will add depth and umami to the soup.
- To make a vegan tomato soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the heavy cream.
- For a more rustic texture, do not puree the soup. Instead, leave it chunky with diced tomatoes for a heartier and flavorful soup.
Tomato soup from canned tomatoes is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, crackers, or a side of crusty bread. It’s a comforting classic that can be adapted to your preferences and is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
With its ease of preparation and delicious taste, this tomato soup recipe from canned tomatoes is an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend brunches. So next time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful soup, give this canned tomato version a try. It might just become your new go-to recipe!
