Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup
A creamy and comforting tomato soup that warms you up on chilly nights, perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste for richness and color
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
- 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of your choice like almond or oat milk
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- to taste ground black pepper
- up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for kick
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or a generous pinch of dried thyme
- ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine optional, check Recipe Notes for tips
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the onion and carrots. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the fresh basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and wine (if using). Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes, until everything is tender.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if needed), blend until smooth, then return to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender.
- Stir in the cream or milk of your choice and heat over medium-low until warmed through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Notes
For optimal results, sauté the vegetables until they’re lightly caramelized; this adds depth to the flavor. Watch the simmering time; too long can overcook the vegetables. Don't skip blending to create the creamy consistency. Consider adding balsamic vinegar right before serving for a touch of acidity.