Name: Nana’s Creamy Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large ripe tomatoes (about 1.5 lbs or 680g), chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup, don’t you think? It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug from the inside, and this one, my friend, is extra special because it’s my Nana’s secret recipe. It’s a blend of rich tomatoes, creamy goodness, and just the right amount of seasoning. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you’re someone who enjoys a classic, heartwarming soup with a velvety texture, this tomato soup is your go-to. It’s perfect for chilly nights, an easy lunch, or even a starter for a cozy dinner. What makes this recipe stand out is the balance between the tangy tomatoes and the creamy, smooth texture that Nana always perfected. It’s simple, yet so satisfying—and I promise you, you’ll be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:

Fresh ripe tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Butter
Heavy cream
Vegetable broth
A touch of sugar
Salt & pepper
Olive oil

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but these are the key players that make this soup shine.

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a little olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter’s melted, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent. This is the base of all the flavor, so take your time and let those aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

Next, toss in your chopped fresh tomatoes. You can peel them first if you prefer a smoother texture, but I usually leave the skin on—gives it a bit more rustic feel. Stir everything together and let it cook down for about 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices. You can use a spoon to mash them a little as they cook.

Step 3: Blend It Smooth

Now comes the fun part. Once the tomatoes are nice and soft, use an immersion blender to puree everything in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend in batches. You’ll want the soup to be silky smooth, but you can leave a bit of texture if you like. After blending, return it to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Broth

Once the soup is blended, it’s time to add that rich creaminess. Stir in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, and give everything a good mix. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once your soup is heated through and perfectly seasoned, it’s time to serve! Ladle it into bowls, maybe top with a bit of fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. Your creamy tomato soup is ready to warm you up from the inside out.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Tomatoes matter: The quality of your tomatoes really affects the flavor. If you can, go for ripe, in-season tomatoes or use canned San Marzano tomatoes for an extra rich flavor.
Blend well: If you like a smoother soup, blend it for a bit longer. You can always strain it through a fine sieve for an ultra-silky texture.
Season to taste: Tomatoes vary in sweetness and acidity, so don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning. A pinch of sugar can help if your tomatoes are a little too tangy.
Make it ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Dairy-Free Version: You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan. The flavor will be slightly different, but still creamy and delicious!
Add Herbs: If you want to boost the flavor, try adding fresh basil or thyme while the soup is simmering.
Spicy Kick: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your tomato soup.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy tomato soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for that classic comfort food duo. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a light, satisfying meal. For something a little more indulgent, try it alongside some crispy bacon or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.

4 FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned tomatoes work great. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegetable broth.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a tablespoon of flour to the butter in the first step for a thicker base.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Yes! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese can make the soup extra creamy and indulgent.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about a simple, homemade tomato soup. It’s comforting, creamy, and a little nostalgic. With Nana’s secret recipe in your kitchen, you’ll be serving up bowls of love in no time. So next time you’re craving something cozy, grab those tomatoes, and enjoy the warm embrace of this creamy soup!

Nana’s Creamy Tomato Soup

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy tomato soup is a comforting and velvety dish, packed with rich tomatoes, heavy cream, and just the right amount of seasoning. Perfect for chilly nights, lunch, or a cozy dinner starter, it’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that will warm you up from the inside out.

Instructions

Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
Add the Tomatoes: Toss in the chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook for 10-15 minutes until softened. Mash lightly as they cook.
Blend It Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture, or transfer to a blender in batches. Blend until silky smooth, or leave some texture if desired.
Stir in the Cream and Broth: Add heavy cream and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and serve with fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

The quality of tomatoes impacts the flavor. For a richer taste, use in-season ripe tomatoes or canned San Marzano.
For smoother texture, blend longer or strain through a fine sieve.
Taste and adjust seasoning based on the sweetness and acidity of your tomatoes.