Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that brings warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia all in one bowl. Whether you’re curled up on a chilly evening, in need of something simple but full of flavor, or just craving something homemade, a hearty bowl of creamy tomato soup is often the answer.
This Blender Tomato Soup recipe elevates the classic with the convenience of a blender, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is-you can tweak the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s also incredibly easy to make, so even beginners can whip up a batch in no time.
Let’s dive in and explore how to create this velvety, rich, and flavorful tomato soup that will have you coming back for more!
Blender Tomato Soup Recipe
This recipe is designed for simplicity, speed, and maximum flavor. The blender does all the hard work, allowing you to skip the typical lengthy cooking times or the need to finely chop everything. In just a few steps, you can enjoy a creamy, tomato-packed soup that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need for the perfect Blender Tomato Soup:
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Tomatoes (Fresh or Canned):
You’ll need about 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes, or a 28 oz can of whole peeled tomatoes. If you’re using fresh, roma or plum tomatoes are ideal due to their deep flavor.
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Onion
1 medium yellow or white onion. This adds a sweet, slightly savory depth to the soup, complementing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
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Garlic
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic imparts an aromatic punch, giving the soup a fragrant base.
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Olive Oil
2 tablespoons. This will help sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness and depth of flavor to the soup’s base.
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Vegetable Broth
4 cups. This helps thin out the soup to the desired consistency and provides a flavorful foundation. You can substitute with chicken broth for a richer taste.
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Heavy Cream
1 cup. For that velvety texture that makes tomato soup so indulgent. You can swap for coconut cream or half-and-half if you prefer a dairy-free option.
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Salt And Pepper
To taste. These seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and other ingredients. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
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Sugar
1 teaspoon (optional). A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s totally optional depending on how sweet your tomatoes are.
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Fresh Basil Or Dried Italian Herbs
A handful of fresh basil leaves, or 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning. This gives the soup an aromatic, herbaceous kick that elevates the flavors.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, here’s how to bring it all together in just a few easy steps:
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Prepare The Ingredients
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel off the skins and roughly chop them.
- Chop the onion and garlic into rough pieces. No need to get fancy since the blender will smooth everything out.
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Sauté The Onions And Garlic
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients In The Blender
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into your blender. Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned), vegetable broth, and sugar (if using).
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Depending on your blender, this may take 30 seconds to 1 minute.
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Heat The Soup
- Pour the blended mixture back into the saucepan. Heat over medium-low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
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Add Cream And Herbs
- Once heated through, stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil (or dried herbs). Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper. Add more sugar if you’d like it sweeter or a dash more cream for extra richness.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a little extra basil, and serve hot.
Ingredient Insights
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the star of the show. They’re packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, and are naturally low in calories. The variety you choose-whether fresh or canned-will affect the soup’s final taste. Fresh tomatoes offer a bright, juicy flavor, while canned tomatoes provide a more concentrated, intense sweetness.
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Garlic
Garlic isn’t just for flavor; it’s known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure. Cooking garlic gently softens its pungency, adding a mild, savory note to the soup.
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Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Heavy Cream
While it adds richness and creaminess, heavy cream is also high in calories. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
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Basil
Fresh basil isn’t just aromatic; it adds a pop of fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the deep richness of the tomato base. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Expert Tips
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Make It Smoother
For an ultra-smooth soup, use a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix. It’ll make the texture velvety and almost silky, without needing to strain the soup.
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Add Extra Veggies
Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding a handful of carrots or bell peppers to the blender. Both add sweetness and depth, and the bell peppers contribute a subtle smokiness.
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Roast The Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes in the oven before blending them can bring out a deeper, sweeter flavor. Just toss halved tomatoes with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until caramelized.
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Spicy Twist
For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the blender. This adds a fun, spicy undertone that balances the richness of the cream.
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Make It Vegan
Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegetable broth for the base. You can also use nutritional yeast to mimic the savory, cheesy flavor that cream usually provides.
Recipe Variations
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Herb-Infused Tomato Soup
Add a couple of sprigs of thyme or rosemary during the simmering process. Strain them out before serving. This adds a fragrant herbal note to the soup that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes.
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Cheesy Tomato Soup
Blend in some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the soup just before serving for a rich, creamy, cheesy twist. Top each bowl with a cheesy crouton for extra indulgence.
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Tomato Basil Soup With A Creamy Twist
Instead of using heavy cream, blend in some cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water) to keep the soup creamy but dairy-free.
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Tomato And Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet flavor that complements the tomato base. It’s a great way to switch up the flavor profile.
Final Words
This Blender Tomato Soup recipe is perfect for those who crave comfort food but don’t have the time (or energy) to spend hours in the kitchen. With fresh, simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up a bowl of creamy, satisfying soup that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or a side to a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s sure to please.