This classic tomato soup is warm and comforting, just like Grandma used to make. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of cream for a smooth finish. Perfect for any day!
Whenever I make this soup, I feel like a kid again, huddled over a bowl with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s a little taste of nostalgia and happiness all in one! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor to the soup. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap it out for olive oil or vegan butter for a similar taste.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes work best for that classic taste. If they’re not in season, canned tomatoes are a great alternative. Just make sure they’re whole or diced to avoid too much acidity.
Broth: You can use vegetable or chicken broth here. For a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth. Homemade broth is fantastic but store-bought works just as well for convenience.
Heavy Cream: While the cream gives a nice, rich texture, if you’re looking to cut calories or are lactose intolerant, substituting with coconut milk or skipping it altogether will still work well!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Onions and Garlic?
Cooking onions and garlic properly is key to enhancing the flavor of your soup. Start by melting the butter over medium heat, then:
- Sauté onions until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This brings out their sweetness.
- Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook; burnt garlic can make the soup taste bitter.
This little step ensures that your base flavors are spot on!
What’s the Best Way to Puree the Soup Smoothly?
To get that lovely smooth texture in your tomato soup, an immersion blender is your best friend. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Ensure the soup has cooled slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
- Blend until smooth, moving the blender up and down to mix thoroughly. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool a bit, then blend in small batches.
This method helps in getting the perfect creamy consistency without losing too much heat!
Grandma’s Classic Vintage Tomato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step adds a lovely flavor base!
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that delicious garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped tomatoes (if using canned, be sure to include the juices) and let them cook down for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to help soften them up and bring out their flavor.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Pour in the broth, then add the sugar, salt, pepper, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
5. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
6. Final Touches:
Return the smooth soup to low heat. If you’d like a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream (if using). Warm the soup through for about 5 minutes without letting it boil.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or basil depending on your preference.
8. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves if desired. It’s time to dig in!
9. Enjoy with Sides:
This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread, making for a classic vintage meal that’s sure to warm your heart!
Enjoy your warm bowl of Grandma’s nostalgic tomato soup!
FAQs About Grandma’s Classic Vintage Tomato Soup
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Tomatoes?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great time-saver and still deliver fantastic flavor. Just keep the juice from the can, as it adds richness to the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it entirely. The soup will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions for the best results.
