Canned Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup-the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cozied up on a rainy day or in need of something quick and satisfying, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy tomato soup. The best part? You don’t need to rely on store-bought cans to get that rich, deep flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can make a homemade version that’s every bit as delicious-if not more-than anything you’d find at the supermarket.

But what’s the secret to making the best canned tomato soup from scratch? It’s all about balancing the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the richness of broth, and a medley of herbs and seasonings. You get to control the depth of flavor, texture, and the level of richness in every spoonful. So, if you’re looking to elevate your homemade soup game or perhaps create a recipe that rivals the classic Campbell’s, let’s dive right into this classic recipe that’s anything but ordinary.

Homemade canned tomato soup isn’t just about throwing a bunch of ingredients together-it’s about layering flavors, building depth, and letting all those elements meld together into one perfect bowl of comfort. The beauty of this recipe is that it balances simplicity with complexity, allowing you to savor each spoonful without feeling overwhelmed by any single flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own canned tomato soup.

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients that will set you up for success:

Fresh Tomatoes (6-8 medium-sized) – Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the base of any great tomato soup. If you’re craving a heartier, more robust flavor, heirloom tomatoes are a great option.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – This will concentrate the tomato flavor, giving your soup a rich and satisfying depth.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a touch of richness to the base.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – The onion adds sweetness and depth. You can use yellow or white onions, but if you want a bit more flavor complexity, go for shallots.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic provides a fragrant base and rounds out the flavor of the tomatoes.
Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth (4 cups) – The liquid that will turn this tomato paste into a smooth, sippable soup. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth adds a deeper, meatier undertone.
Sugar (1 teaspoon) – A touch of sugar helps cut through the acidity of the tomatoes and balances the flavors.
Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) – A classic herb that complements tomatoes perfectly. You can also use fresh basil for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
Heavy Cream or Milk (½ cup) – For a smooth and creamy texture that makes the soup extra comforting. You can substitute this with a dairy-free option like coconut cream for a different twist.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Making this tomato soup is a breeze, and you’ll be enjoying a homemade bowl in no time.

Prepare The Ingredients
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, remove the stems, and cut them into quarters. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can peel them, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
- Chop the onion and garlic finely to get the aromatics ready.
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.
Cook The Tomatoes
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together, and let the tomatoes cook down for about 10 minutes. This will release their juices and deepen the flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and allow the mixture to simmer until the tomatoes are softened and well-cooked.
Blend The Soup
- Once the tomatoes are cooked down, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or you can transfer the mixture to a blender (in batches if necessary). Blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, pulse it a few times, leaving some texture behind.
Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and stir in the sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add The Cream
- Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have come together, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream or milk. This will create a rich, velvety texture and add a creamy touch to the soup. If you’re using a dairy-free alternative, this will still provide that creamy consistency.
Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch more sugar. If you like it spicier, you can sprinkle in a dash of red pepper flakes. If it needs more depth, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work wonders.
Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve with some crusty bread or grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredient Insights

When making a dish as simple as tomato soup, the quality of your ingredients really makes a difference. Here’s a closer look at some of the key players:

Fresh Tomatoes: The fresher, the better! Tomatoes that are at their peak ripeness will give you the most flavorful soup. Look for vibrant red tomatoes with a slight give when squeezed. They should smell fragrant and sweet. Heirloom varieties are fantastic if you want a richer, more complex flavor.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated paste adds an intense tomato flavor that will enrich the soup. Don’t skimp on it! It’s one of the key components that will give your soup that robust taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a slightly fruity flavor and smooth texture. It’s the perfect oil for sautéing because it enhances the flavor of the aromatics without overpowering them.
Heavy Cream: This is what transforms the soup into a creamy, luxurious treat. You don’t need a ton-just a small splash is all it takes to make the soup silky smooth.

Expert Tips

Roasting the Tomatoes: For an even deeper, smokier flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply slice them in half, drizzle with olive oil, and roast them at 400°F for 20-30 minutes. This caramelizes the sugars and intensifies the flavor.
Use an Immersion Blender: If you have one, an immersion blender is the best tool for blending the soup directly in the pot. It’s less messy and saves you time, as you don’t need to transfer the soup in batches.
Freezing Leftovers: Tomato soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about tomato soup is that it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few fun variations:

Spicy Tomato Soup: Add some heat by incorporating chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños while sautéing the garlic and onions. A splash of smoked paprika adds a smoky depth as well.
Basil Pesto Tomato Soup: Stir in a spoonful of homemade or store-bought basil pesto before serving for an herby, savory twist.
Vegan Tomato Soup: Simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegetable broth to keep it entirely plant-based.
Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Add roasted red peppers to the soup for a smoky, sweet kick. Blend them in with the tomatoes for a complex flavor profile.
Cheese Lovers’ Tomato Soup: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese to the soup right before serving. The cheese will melt beautifully, making the soup even richer.

Final Words

Making homemade tomato soup is one of those simple pleasures in life that feels like a warm hug for your soul. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility-you can easily make it your own, from the way you season it to the different ingredients you experiment with. Whether you’re serving it with a classic grilled cheese or just savoring it on its own, this soup is bound to become a regular in your rotation. It’s affordable, quick, and incredibly satisfying.

Canned Tomato Soup Recipe