Quick & Easy Tomato Soup: Comfort Food in Under 30 Minutes

Craving comfort food? This quick and easy tomato soup recipe is the perfect solution! Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful soup is simple to make with pantry staples. It's a fantastic option for a cozy lunch or a light dinner, especially on those chilly days when you just want something warm and satisfying. Making your own soup is also a great way to avoid processed foods and enjoy a genuinely wholesome meal. If you're looking for other simple and healthy recipes for quick meals, you might also enjoy our Easy Overnight Oats recipe, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast prep!

Bowl of creamy tomato soup with basil and cream

What You'll Need

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step; properly softened onions form the base for a really flavorful soup. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is truly a promise of the deliciousness to come!
Add the Tomatoes & Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. A good pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference - everyone's palate is different.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This simmering time is crucial! It's during this period that the ingredients really get to know each other and the flavors deepen. This patient approach is what separates a decent soup from a truly exceptional one.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot.) Blending really takes the soup to another level of creaminess. If you don’t have an immersion blender, don’t worry - it’s perfectly delicious even without blending!
Cream it Up (Optional): Stir in the heavy cream for added richness and creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The cream adds a luxurious touch, but it’s perfectly fine to omit if you're looking for a lighter soup. Consider experimenting with different dairy-free alternatives if you are avoiding dairy.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or grilled cheese. The combination of warm soup and crunchy bread is a classic for a reason! Speaking of classics, if you're looking for another simple and tasty recipe, check out our Simple Guacamole recipe – it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Tips & Variations

Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper, more complex flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the soup. Roasting concentrates the natural sugars in the tomatoes, resulting in a much more intense flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A little spice can really elevate the flavor profile of the soup, adding an unexpected depth.
Add Veggies: Carrots, celery, or even bell peppers can be added during the sautéing stage for added nutrients and flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetable combinations!
Make it Vegan: Omit the heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based cream alternative. There are so many fantastic vegan cream alternatives available these days, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious and compassionate meal. For another quick and easy recipe focusing on fresh vegetables, you might enjoy our Easy Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables.

More Than Just Soup: A Complete Meal

This quick and easy tomato soup is more than just a recipe; it's a starting point for culinary creativity! Feel free to customize it to your liking and experiment with different flavor combinations. It's the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple joys of cooking. Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that are the easiest to make, and this tomato soup certainly fits that bill. It's a perfect example of how you can enjoy delicious and nutritious food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?: Absolutely! Tomato soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?: Crushed tomatoes are the standard, but you can also use tomato puree or even whole peeled tomatoes (just be sure to crush them before adding them to the pot).
Can I freeze this soup?: Yes, tomato soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s a good side dish to serve with tomato soup?: Crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, a simple salad, or even a small bowl of quinoa all make excellent accompaniments to this comforting soup.