Description
This Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting, rich dish that combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the velvety smoothness of coconut milk or heavy cream. Perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoyed on its own, this simple yet flavorful soup is a timeless classic.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or an additional 2 tbsp olive oil for a dairy-free version)
- 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1⅓ cups full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
-
Add Garlic and Vinegar:
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another minute, allowing it to reduce slightly.
-
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth.
- Stir to combine.
-
Season:
- Add the dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
-
Blend the Soup:
- Remove the pot from heat.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
-
Add Creaminess:
- Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano for extra herbal flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for depth and heat.
- Add-ins: Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for a heartier soup.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: American
