Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

why make this recipe

When winter rolls around, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup to chase away the chill. This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is easy to make, comforting, and delicious. Using canned tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack, this soup will warm your heart and fill your belly.

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how to make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or a generous pinch of dried thyme)
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
• Optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine (see Recipe Notes)
• 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.)
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and carrots. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly, about 5-6 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the tomato paste browns and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and wine to the pot, stirring to combine well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are completely tender.
4. Carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender. Work in batches, filling the blender no more than ⅔ full. Remove the center cap from the lid and cover the hole with a thick kitchen towel while blending. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return the soup to the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot.
5. Stir in the cream (or milk of choice) and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves as desired. Serve with a piece of crusty bread or a Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Enjoy!

how to serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

Serve this creamy tomato soup hot in a bowl, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of pepper. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for that perfect comfort food combo. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, it will hit the spot!

how to store Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

To store any leftover soup, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra broth if it gets too thick.

tips to make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup

1. For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
2. If you like a little kick, increase the crushed red pepper or add some cayenne for heat.
3. Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.

variation

You can turn this creamy tomato soup into a more robust dish by adding lentils or cooked pasta right before serving. This will make it heartier and perfect for a filling meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before adding them to the soup.

2. Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Use unsweetened plant milk, such as almond or oat milk, instead of heavy cream.

3. How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water.

Enjoy making this cozy and delicious Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup!

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