Cherry Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of fresh, homemade soup, especially when it’s made with ingredients as simple yet flavorful as tomatoes. Tomato soup is a classic that has been beloved for generations, often conjuring memories of chilly afternoons, cozy kitchens, and the perfect sandwich to pair it with. But if you’ve ever tried making tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, you know that it elevates this dish from everyday comfort food to something truly special.

This cherry tomato soup recipe takes advantage of the sweet and tangy flavors of ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, turning them into a velvety, luscious soup that’s bursting with natural flavors. It’s not only an easy recipe but also a healthier alternative to store-bought soups that are often packed with preservatives or added sugars. Whether you’re preparing this for a light lunch, a dinner starter, or just a satisfying snack, this soup hits the spot every time.

Let’s dive into how you can make this fresh cherry tomato soup from scratch, step-by-step.

Cherry Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes Recipe

This cherry tomato soup recipe is designed to highlight the vibrant taste of fresh tomatoes, especially the sweet and juicy cherry variety. Unlike traditional tomato soup made with canned tomatoes, using fresh fruit in this recipe results in a soup that’s naturally bright, fresh, and full of depth. The added herbs and seasonings complement the tomatoes perfectly, creating a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need for a rich, flavorful cherry tomato soup. This list focuses on the essentials to maintain a clean, fresh taste while letting the natural sweetness of the tomatoes shine through.

• Fresh Cherry Tomatoes – About 4 cups, or roughly 1.5 pounds. The more ripe, the better, as the tomatoes will provide the bulk of the flavor.
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is best for adding richness and flavor.
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped. It adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for layering flavor and fragrance into the soup.
• Carrot – 1 medium, peeled and finely diced. Carrots add a natural sweetness that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth – 3 cups. This forms the liquid base for the soup and helps bring everything together.
• Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon. Adds a concentrated tomato flavor that intensifies the overall taste.
• Dried Basil – 1 teaspoon. A classic herb that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional). A small amount can help to offset any acidity from the tomatoes, especially if they’re a little tart.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste. These are the essential seasonings to elevate the flavors.
• Fresh Basil – For garnish, optional. Fresh herbs at the end provide a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Instructions

The cooking process for this cherry tomato soup is straightforward, making it an easy recipe even for beginner cooks. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Wash and halve your cherry tomatoes. Set them aside.
   • Chop the onion and garlic finely, and dice the carrot into small pieces.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the diced carrot and cook for another 3 minutes, letting it soften slightly.

3. Cook The Tomatoes

   • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together, and let the tomatoes cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.

4. Add Broth And Simmer

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and stir in the tomato paste and dried basil. Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 15-20 minutes. This simmering stage helps meld the flavors and softens the tomatoes even further.

5. Blend The Soup

   • Once the tomatoes are fully softened, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy, making sure to check the texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend it less. For a smoother texture, blend for longer.

6. Season And Serve

   • Taste the soup, adding salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Stir in some fresh basil for extra flavor.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves, and serve hot with your favorite bread or grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredient Insights

• Cherry Tomatoes – Unlike larger tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are naturally sweeter and have a more concentrated flavor, which makes them perfect for soups. The small size allows them to break down easily, adding an intensely fresh flavor to the soup.
• Olive Oil – This oil not only serves as a base for sautéing but also enriches the overall texture of the soup. It brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables and tomatoes.
• Carrot – Carrots are often overlooked in tomato soup, but they add a subtle sweetness that helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a rounder, more harmonious flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste – While the cherry tomatoes provide most of the flavor, tomato paste deepens the tomato essence and intensifies the taste. It’s a small addition, but it really boosts the umami.
• Fresh Basil – The smell and taste of fresh basil give a lovely contrast to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, enhancing the soup’s freshness.

Expert Tips

• Roast the Tomatoes First: If you want to add another layer of depth to the flavor, you can roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, intensifying their flavor even further.
• Use an Immersion Blender: For the smoothest texture, an immersion blender is the way to go. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot without the mess of transferring it to a regular blender.
• Add a Touch of Cream: If you like a creamier soup, you can stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. It adds richness without overpowering the tomato flavor.
• Balance the Acidity: If the soup turns out too acidic, try adding a little extra sugar, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or even a pinch of baking soda to balance it out.
• Serve with Toppings: To elevate the soup, consider adding toppings like croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood for a twist on the classic, here are a few variations to consider:

• Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Soup: Add other fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the soup while it simmers for a more complex flavor.
• Vegan Version: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth, and omit any cream for a completely plant-based version.
• Grilled Cheese Croutons: Make your classic grilled cheese, cut it into cubes, and add it as a topping for a fun, crunchy addition to your soup.

Final Words

This cherry tomato soup is an easy, yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any season. The vibrant flavor of fresh tomatoes, combined with the sweetness of carrots and aromatic herbs, creates a truly comforting bowl of soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a light dinner, or something to share with loved ones, this recipe is versatile enough to please anyone’s palate.