How To Make Tomato Soup Like a Restaurant

Tomato soup is a quintessential comfort food with a special place in many hearts for its warmth and delightful flavor. Whether you enjoy it on chilly evenings or as a quick lunch option, this classic dish always satisfies. While canned tomato soup offers convenience, homemade tomato soup reigns supreme for taste, quality, and nutritional benefits.

Have you ever wondered how to replicate that delectable tomato soup you've savored at your favorite restaurant? Fear not — this guide is here to help you recreate that restaurant-quality tomato soup right in your kitchen. You can achieve a homemade tomato soup that rivals the best by using fresh ingredients and following a few simple steps.

Why Should You Make Homemade Tomato Soup?

The advantages of homemade tomato soup are clear — making your own soup lets you tailor the flavors to your liking and provides a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

When you make soup at home, you likely use fresh tomatoes and other ingredients with a higher nutritional value compared to canned varieties. You can also adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences, creating a soup that's uniquely yours. 

By preparing your own soup, you’ll have control over the ingredients, allowing you to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences with ease. For example, if you need a gluten-free option, you can easily adjust the ingredients to accommodate this dietary restriction.

What Makes Homemade Tomato Soup Healthy?

Homemade tomato soup not only delights the taste buds but also offers various health benefits that canned varieties may lack.

When made from scratch, tomato soup is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, supporting overall well-being and immune health. Plus, compared to store-bought options that can be high in unhealthy fats and additives, homemade tomato soup provides a healthier alternative with lower cholesterol and carbohydrate levels.

What Do You Need To Make Homemade Tomato Soup?

It may seem like a complicated endeavor, but making tomato soup at home that tastes as good as any you’d find at a restaurant is quite doable. Let’s break down the ingredient categories.

Base Ingredients

• Fresh Tomatoes: The star ingredient providing a vibrant and fresh flavor to the soup. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option for tomato soup!
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use these if fresh tomatoes are not in season.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and enhancing the soup's richness.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the base.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuse the soup with a lovely aromatic flavor.

Seasonings and Flavors

• Fresh Basil: Provides a burst of herbal freshness that complements the tomatoes.
• Dried Basil: Enhances the flavor profile with its more concentrated taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a well-rounded taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Black Pepper: Enhances the overall savory notes of the soup.
• Salt: Adjust according to taste preferences for balance.

Consistency and Texture

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup, creating a velvety texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings a buttery richness to the soup, enhancing the overall creaminess.

Broths

• Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock: Provides a savory base and depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Broth or Vegetable Stock: Offers a lighter alternative for a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup.

Enhancers

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that compliments the tomatoes.
• Homemade Croutons: Perfect for garnishing, these add texture and crunch to a creamy tomato soup.

Restaurant-Style Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. fresh tomatoes, diced
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Handful fresh basil, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
• Homemade croutons for garnish

Tools We Used:

• GIR Quad Chopper: This kitchen powerhouse makes quick work of crumbling and browning meat and breaking down produce for sautéing.
• GIR Silicone Ladle: This ladle features a precision pouring edge design so you don’t waste a drop of your yummy tomato soup.

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Saute the diced yellow onion and garlic cloves until softened, fragrant, and translucent.
3. Add diced fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings, cooking until the tomatoes are tender.
4. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and flavors are well-developed.
5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Stir in fresh basil leaves and heavy cream to enrich the soup with fresh herbaceous notes and velvety richness.
7. If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding chicken or veggie broth to reach your desired thickness.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parmesan, fresh basil, and homemade croutons.

What Are Some Tips for Perfect Tomato Soup?

To elevate your homemade tomato soup and achieve a restaurant-quality taste, consider incorporating these expert tips:

• Enhancing Flavors: Use extra-virgin olive oil for a rich base and fresh herbs to elevate your stew to a tomato basil soup.
• Acidity Balance: Adjust tomato acidity with a touch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a well-rounded flavor.
• Salt Levels: Taste the soup as you cook and adjust salt levels gradually to achieve the perfect balance.

The Takeaway

Say goodbye to canned options and embrace the joy of preparing your very own batch of tomato soup that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. The process may be simple, but the rewards in flavor and satisfaction are worth it.

It's time to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the delectable journey of creating a bowl of homemade tomato soup. This soup is bound to become a favorite comfort food in your home.

GIR is here to join you in your kitchen adventures. Having reliable and innovative kitchen tools makes all the difference when you’re cooking or baking. We hope to enhance your kitchen experience through the thoughtful design and functionality of our cooking essentials. Happy cooking!

Sources:

Onions 101 — Everything You Need To Know About Working With Onions | Nature’s Ninja

9 Health Benefits of Tomato Soup | Healthline

5 Health Benefits of Basil | Cleveland Clinic

The Benefits of Adding a Drizzle of Olive Oil to Your Diet | American Heart Association