How to Make a Delicious Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup is one of those timeless comfort foods that everyone loves. Whether you're craving something warm and hearty for dinner or just need a quick snack, this simple yet satisfying recipe will not disappoint. Today we'll guide you through making your very own creamy tomato soup at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes Servings: 4 generous portions

Step-by-step Guide

Begin by heating up your pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm until shimmering. Once the oil is hot, add in the chopped onions and garlic. Stir frequently to ensure that they do not burn while softening.

After about 5 minutes of stirring, when the onions become translucent and softened, add the diced tomatoes into the pan. At this stage, you might also want to crush them slightly with a wooden spoon for better texture in your final soup. Continue cooking until all the liquid has evaporated from the tomatoes; this should take another 5-7 minutes.

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p>Next comes the broth – pour it gradually while continuously stirring so that the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Let everything simmer gently together for approximately 10 more minutes, allowing flavors to meld nicely as they reduce down slightly but still maintain a good consistency.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer your soup with a little kick instead of sweetness from the added sugar (optional), consider using a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. For extra richness and creaminess, experiment by adding half-and-half rather than heavy cream. Alternatively, if dairy isn't suitable for your diet, coconut milk can be used as a great vegan alternative.

Once the soup has reached your desired thickness and flavor profile, remove it from heat source. Let cool slightly before transferring to a blender (or use an immersion blender right within the pot). Blend until smooth but not overly pureed; some texture adds character without being too chunky.

Return the blended mixture back into the original pot over low heat if necessary, just enough to warm through again without boiling. Season with salt and pepper according to your palate preference. If needed, adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or acidity balancing lemon juice.

Garnishing & Serving Suggestions

To finish off beautifully, garnish each bowl of soup with freshly chopped basil leaves, which complement the natural flavors perfectly. You could also serve slices of sourdough bread alongside for dipping into the broth.

Enjoy your homemade creamy tomato soup as part of a light lunch or dinner meal, accompanied by crusty bread and perhaps some cheese gratin on top. It's versatile enough to pair well with various main courses too!

About Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup is beloved for its simplicity yet profound taste that can cater to different seasons. During colder months when warmth is needed, this cozy dish warms the body and soul alike. On sunny days, it makes a delightful picnic fare or even an afternoon snack.

Moreover, because of its adaptability, creamy tomato soup serves as a wonderful base for creating new variations—perhaps adding spinach for a vibrant green color and nutritional boost; or blending in some corn kernels to create a zesty version. Each tweak opens up possibilities for customizing the dish based on personal preferences.

Whether you're looking forward to enjoying it during fall evenings inside, or perhaps sharing it with friends at an outdoor gathering come springtime – this beloved comfort food remains an essential part of any pantry.