Ah, tomato vegetable soup-the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something warm, soothing, and wholesome, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s vibrant, packed with nutrients, and has that perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and hearty vegetables. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile-you can keep it light and brothy or make it thick and creamy depending on your mood. Today, I’ll take you on a step-by-step journey to create a tomato vegetable soup that’s not just easy but bursting with flavor and warmth.
Tomato Vegetable Soup Easy Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves cooking but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a rich, hearty taste. Here’s how you can whip up a batch of this deliciousness in less than an hour.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful soup:
-
Fresh Vegetables
- 4-5 medium tomatoes, ripe and juicy
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
-
Flavor Boosters
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or a few fresh leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
-
Liquid Base
- 4 cups vegetable stock or water
-
Optional Additions For Creaminess Or Texture
- ½ cup cream or coconut milk (for a creamy version)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for extra tomato punch)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Here’s the step-by-step magic:
- Prep the vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop all your vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant-around 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrots, potato, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, letting the flavors meld.
- Incorporate tomatoes and seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes, dried herbs, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Pour in the liquid: Add the vegetable stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Blend (optional): For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. If you like it chunky, you can skip this step.
- Add creaminess (optional): Stir in cream or coconut milk for a richer, velvety texture. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!
Ingredient Insights
- Tomatoes: Fresh and ripe are best-they provide natural sweetness and a rich red color. Cherry tomatoes work beautifully for an intense flavor boost.
- Carrots and potatoes: They add natural sweetness and body to the soup, making it more satisfying.
- Onions and garlic: The foundational aromatics; they’re simple but essential for depth of flavor.
- Celery and bell pepper: These add subtle complexity and freshness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness, while dried herbs give a more concentrated flavor. Mix and match depending on what you have on hand.
Expert Tips
- Roast the tomatoes first: For an extra layer of flavor, roast your tomatoes in the oven for 15 minutes before adding them. It intensifies sweetness and gives a slightly smoky note.
- Season gradually: Adding salt and spices in stages helps build a well-rounded flavor.
- Don’t over-blend: If using a blender, pulse gently for a slightly chunky texture-it feels more homemade.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy tomato vegetable soup: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño while sautéing the aromatics.
- Italian-style: Stir in some cooked pasta or small gnocchi and top with grated parmesan.
- Creamy vegan: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
- Hearty addition: Add beans (like kidney or cannellini) for extra protein and texture.
Final Words
Making tomato vegetable soup is more than just a cooking task-it’s a small act of love for yourself and anyone you share it with. Its vibrant colors, warm aroma, and comforting taste make it a perfect meal any time of the year. Plus, with so many variations and twists, it’s impossible to get bored.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For An Easy Tomato Vegetable Soup?
The main ingredients include ripe tomatoes, assorted vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or thyme.
How Can I Make Tomato Vegetable Soup Quickly?
To make it quickly, use chopped or pre-cooked vegetables, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Sauté onions and garlic first, then add vegetables and tomatoes, simmer for 15-20 minutes, blend if desired, and season to taste.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan Or Vegetarian?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan and vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and avoid any animal-based additives such as cream or meat stock.
Should I Use Fresh Or Canned Tomatoes?
Both can be used. Fresh tomatoes give a brighter, more natural flavor, while canned tomatoes offer convenience and consistency. A combination of both works well for a rich taste.
Is It Necessary To Blend The Soup?
Blending is optional. Blending gives a smooth, creamy texture, while leaving it unblended provides a chunky, rustic soup with more texture.
How Long Does It Take To Cook This Soup?
An easy tomato vegetable soup can be prepared in 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including chopping vegetables, sautéing, simmering, and blending if desired.
Can I Freeze Tomato Vegetable Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Are Some Variations To Enhance Flavor?
You can add ingredients such as red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of cream or coconut milk for creaminess, fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a touch of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor.
How Can I Make It More Filling?
Add cooked grains like rice, quinoa, or small pasta, or include protein options such as beans, lentils, or tofu to make the soup more hearty and satisfying.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain the flavor and texture.