Middle Winter Creamy Tomato (Printable Version)
Comforting creamy tomato soup with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a smooth, indulgent texture for chilly days.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
01 -
3 tablespoons olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
3 medium carrots, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
→ Herbs and Flavorings
05 -
4 tablespoons tomato paste
06 -
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
07 -
1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
08 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 pinch dried thyme
→ Main Ingredients
09 -
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
10 -
2 cups vegetable stock or broth
11 -
Optional: 1/2 cup dry, unoaked white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
12 -
2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant-based milk
→ Seasoning
13 -
Kosher salt, to taste
14 -
Ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots; season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes if using; cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and tomato paste browns slightly.
02 -
Add fresh basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and optional white wine. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
03 -
Transfer soup in batches to a blender, venting steam with a kitchen towel, and blend until smooth. Return to pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until smooth.
04 -
Stir in cream, milk, or plant-based milk of choice. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
05 -
Ladle soup into bowls and optionally garnish with cracked black pepper, extra crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwich as desired.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For easier blending, ensure the soup is not filled above two-thirds of blender capacity and vent steam carefully to avoid pressure buildup.