Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is one of those comforting classics that never goes out of style. It’s simple, wholesome, and with just a few tweaks, can be elevated to something extraordinary. Whether you’re dipping a grilled cheese sandwich into it or sipping it on a chilly evening, tomato soup holds a place in so many of our hearts and kitchens. But if you’re looking for that perfect, nostalgia-inducing taste of the classic Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings the flavor of the iconic can right to your homemade bowl-creamy, tangy, and rich with depth. Let’s dive in and recreate the magic!

Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup Recipe

While Campbell’s Tomato Soup is a beloved pantry staple, making it from scratch can bring a whole new level of flavor. The beauty of homemade tomato soup lies in its simplicity, the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. You can easily recreate the flavor of the familiar Campbell’s version with a few basic ingredients and a little patience.

Here’s how to make it at home!

Ingredients Needed

• Fresh Tomatoes (Roma or Plum) – 6 medium-sized tomatoes (about 4 cups)
• Butter – 2 tablespoons (for that creamy, rich base)
• Onion – 1 small onion, finely chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (for a hint of aromatic flavor)
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 2 cups (you can use water if you prefer)
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons (for intense tomato flavor)
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
• Salt and Pepper – To taste (season to your liking)
• Heavy Cream – 1/2 cup (for a rich, creamy finish)
• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the vegetables)
• Fresh Basil – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Bay Leaf – 1 (optional, for extra depth in flavor)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Tomatoes

   • Start by blanching the tomatoes. To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil, then make small “X” cuts on the bottom of each tomato. Drop them into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, until the skins start peeling back. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
   • Peel off the skins, remove the seeds if you want, and chop the tomatoes into small chunks. Set aside.

2. Cook The Aromatics

   • In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
   • Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build The Soup Base

   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, followed by the broth, sugar, and bay leaf (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Blend And Cream

   • Once the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a stand blender. Purée until smooth (or leave it a little chunky if you prefer texture).
   • After blending, return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer

   • Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The result should be a silky, creamy soup with the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and sweet undertones.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty bread!

Ingredient Insights

• Tomatoes: The base of any great tomato soup is the tomatoes themselves. While canned tomatoes are convenient, fresh tomatoes give your soup a more vibrant, natural flavor. Using Roma or plum tomatoes will give you a thicker, less watery base, which is perfect for a rich soup.
• Butter and Olive Oil: The combination of butter and olive oil creates the right balance of richness and depth in the flavor. Butter brings a creamy, velvety texture, while olive oil adds a light, grassy note.
• Broth vs Water: Using broth-either chicken or vegetable-adds a savory, umami richness to the soup. Water would work in a pinch but will lack the complexity and depth.
• Heavy Cream: A key element in turning this into a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. It transforms the soup from a simple tomato base into a luxurious, silky dish.
• Sugar: While tomatoes are naturally acidic, a small amount of sugar helps round out that sharpness and create a more balanced flavor.

Expert Tips

• Roasting the Tomatoes: For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before using them. Roasting caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, enhancing their sweetness and depth.
• Use a Strainer for a Silky Smooth Texture: If you want a perfectly smooth soup, pass it through a fine-mesh strainer after blending to remove any remaining skin or seeds. This is a great step if you’re aiming for the most luxurious texture possible.
• Make It Vegan: Replace the butter with plant-based butter and use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream. The result is a creamy, dairy-free version that still has that rich, comforting flavor.
• Infuse with Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, ground cumin, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. This can add complexity and a touch of smokiness to your soup.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Tomato Soup: For those who love a kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper when cooking the onions and garlic. If you want a smokier spice, smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are excellent options.
• Tomato Basil Soup: While basil is already an optional garnish, you can blend in a handful of fresh basil leaves into the soup for a more intense herb flavor. This variation is the perfect fusion of classic tomato soup with the fresh zing of basil.
• Cream of Tomato Soup: For a thicker, more indulgent soup, add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese during the blending process. This variation is great if you’re craving something a bit richer.
• Roasted Tomato Soup: Roasting the tomatoes before blending them with the aromatics can deepen the flavor of the soup. Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until caramelized before adding them to the pot.

Final Words

This homemade Campbell’s-inspired tomato soup recipe is a classic that’s both simple and sophisticated, with layers of flavor that take it beyond what you’d expect from the canned version. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a loved one, or even a group, it’s a dish that satisfies like few others can. The combination of fresh ingredients and expert techniques makes this soup truly special.