Description
This cozy creamy tomato soup is made with canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a splash of cream. A quick, one-pot winter dinner that’s rich, comforting, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
4 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or pinch dried thyme)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable stock or broth
Optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine (or sub with more broth + splash of apple cider vinegar)
2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, etc.)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Simmer Soup: Add basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, broth, and wine (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Blend: Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer soup in batches to a stand blender until smooth. Return soup to pot.
Make It Creamy: Stir in cream or milk of choice and cook over medium-low heat until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cracked pepper, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes. Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Notes
Wine Substitute: Use vegetable broth + splash of apple cider vinegar for non-alcoholic option.
Cream Options: Use heavy cream for richness, or unsweetened plant milk for a dairy-free version.
Prep Ahead: Dice onion and carrots in advance to save time.
Freezing: Cooled soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
