Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of tomato soup. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl-simple, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious. But what if I told you that one of the best tomato soups you can make comes from a renowned culinary personality? Enter Ina Garten, better known as the Barefoot Contessa. Her version of tomato soup is iconic, not just because of the rich flavor, but also because of the deep understanding of balancing ingredients. It’s a perfect combination of sweetness, acidity, and smoothness that comes together in a way that you can’t help but savor every spoonful.

Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy on a rainy day or you’re pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich (obviously!), this recipe is a go-to. It’s hearty, it’s simple, and it’s a great way to impress friends and family with minimal effort. Ready to dive in? Let’s break down everything you need to know about making this Barefoot Contessa tomato soup!

Barefoot Contessa Tomato Soup Recipe

Ina Garten’s tomato soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can turn into something extraordinary. The soup starts with basic pantry staples like canned tomatoes, onions, and garlic, but it’s the addition of fresh basil and a touch of cream that brings it to life. It’s not overly fussy, but it’s packed with rich, nuanced flavors that make it feel like a treat.

This recipe is quick to make (under an hour!), but the flavors feel like they’ve been slow-simmering for much longer. It’s the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day, so it’s ideal for meal prep. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients, cooking process, and everything in between.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make Barefoot Contessa’s delicious tomato soup:

• Olive Oil: You’ll use this to sauté the onions and garlic, creating a flavor base that adds richness to the soup.
• Onion: A yellow onion is ideal for this recipe. It provides a gentle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves-finely chopped-give the soup a savory depth.
• Canned Whole Tomatoes: Ina prefers whole tomatoes because they’re typically packed at the peak of their ripeness, giving you more flavor. You’ll crush them up for the soup.
• Chicken Stock: This adds richness and depth. If you’re vegetarian, you can easily substitute vegetable stock.
• Fresh Basil: Basil adds a fresh, fragrant quality. Ina uses it generously, both in the soup and as a garnish.
• Heavy Cream: The key to making this soup creamy and luxurious, without being too heavy.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. These are essential to bring all the flavors together.
• Sugar (Optional): Some canned tomatoes can be a bit tangy or acidic, so a pinch of sugar helps balance out the flavors.

This list keeps things pretty straightforward-no exotic or hard-to-find ingredients here. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe that brings out the best in basic components.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making the soup. Don’t worry; it’s as easy as it is delicious.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Begin by heating about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building the base of the soup and developing sweetness in the onions.
2. Add the Garlic: Once the onions are soft, add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic-it can turn bitter very quickly!
3. Crush the Tomatoes: Open the cans of whole tomatoes, and crush them by hand or with a spoon. Add them to the pot along with the chicken stock. Bring this to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Simmer: Once the soup is simmering, lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add Fresh Basil: Add a handful of fresh basil to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the basil infuse the broth with its vibrant flavor.
6. Blend the Soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, remove it from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (you can also use a regular blender-just let the soup cool slightly before transferring). This gives the soup that signature creamy texture.
7. Finish with Cream: Pour in a splash of heavy cream (about ½ cup) to make the soup rich and velvety. Stir it in and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to fully incorporate.
8. Season: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, if needed. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil or a swirl of cream for a fancy touch.

And there you have it-a delicious, creamy tomato soup ready to enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients used in this recipe to better understand why each one is essential for creating such a well-rounded soup.

• Olive Oil: The olive oil serves not just as a cooking fat, but also contributes a subtle fruity flavor to the base of the soup. It’s a key player in the foundation of the soup’s overall flavor.
• Onion: The onion is more than just a filler-it’s a natural sweetener that enhances the tomatoes’ acidity and adds complexity to the dish. Cooking the onion until it softens and caramelizes just a bit releases its natural sugars, which balances the overall flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be watery and sometimes lack the intense flavor that canned tomatoes offer. Brands like San Marzano tomatoes are often praised for their rich, sweet flavor. Using whole tomatoes allows you to control the texture of the soup, and they tend to have a deeper, more concentrated flavor than chopped or diced varieties.
• Chicken Stock: The use of stock instead of plain water makes a huge difference in the soup’s depth. The gelatin in the stock thickens the soup slightly, while the savory notes enhance the overall richness.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil not only elevates the flavor of the soup but also gives it that quintessential Mediterranean touch. It adds a fragrant, peppery undertone that cuts through the creaminess and acidity.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient is what makes this tomato soup luxuriously creamy without turning it into something too rich or greasy. It adds just the right amount of smoothness, making each spoonful feel indulgent.

Expert Tips

• Use an Immersion Blender for a Silky Texture: If you don’t have an immersion blender, don’t worry-you can always transfer the soup to a regular blender, but an immersion blender gives you more control and makes it easier to blend right in the pot.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Step: While it might be tempting to rush through the recipe, the simmering process is crucial. It gives the tomatoes time to break down and release their sweetness, and it lets all the flavors develop and blend together.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more chicken stock or water. For a thicker, more substantial soup, you can reduce the liquid slightly by simmering for a bit longer.
• Add a Touch of Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a wonderful depth to the soup. The acidity of the vinegar contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Recipe Variations

While the classic version of Barefoot Contessa’s tomato soup is perfection in its simplicity, there are a few ways to put your own spin on it:

• Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced fresh chili peppers to give the soup a little heat. This balances well with the sweetness of the tomatoes and cream.
• Herb Variations: Swap out or add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. These give a more Italian or French flair to the soup.
• Roasted Tomato Soup: Instead of cooking the tomatoes with the other ingredients, roast them in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This caramelizes the tomatoes and deepens their flavor.
• Vegan Version: Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free option that’s just as creamy.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s tomato soup is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes-delicious, comforting, and easy to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions, and it doesn’t require much hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat. The ingredients may be simple, but the result is anything but basic.