Five-Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable tomato soup with just five ingredient magic can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

A handful of simple pantry staples becomes your secret culinary weapon.

Fresh, ripe tomatoes bring vibrant color and intense flavor to this streamlined recipe.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction when you blend these carefully selected components.

Each spoonful promises comfort and warmth without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.

Home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts will absolutely love this straightforward approach.

You’ll want to savor every rich, smooth bite of this incredibly easy soup.

Tomato Soup with Just Five Simple Ingredients

• Master a Creamy Soup in Minutes
• Craft a delicious tomato soup using just five simple ingredients, proving gourmet cooking doesn't require complex shopping lists.
• Whip up this soup in under 45 minutes, with most time spent simmering while you relax or tackle other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Create a velvety, rich soup that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen, warming hearts and satisfying hunger with minimal effort.
• Easily customize with toppings like crispy croutons or fresh basil, pair with grilled cheese, and transform a basic recipe into a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

What You Need for This No-Fuss Tomato Soup

Main Ingredients:

Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes provide the rich base and deep flavor of the soup. Fresh or canned whole tomatoes work best, with good quality making a big difference.

Broth: Supports the tomato flavor and adds depth to the soup. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used depending on preference.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add sweetness and depth to the soup. Fresh, firm onions and fragrant garlic cloves are key for best results.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's natural flavors. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best taste.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base and adds richness to the soup. Unsalted butter gives better control over the final seasoning.
• Croutons, Fresh Basil, Grilled Cheese: Optional accompaniments that add texture, freshness, and complementary flavors to the soup.

How to Keep and Reheat Simple Tomato Soup

• Store leftover tomato soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Great Additions to Round Out the Bowl

• Slice a rustic sourdough or baguette to dip into the rich, velvety tomato soup. The crisp exterior and soft interior will perfectly complement the smooth soup texture.
• Create a classic combo by serving a melty, golden-brown grilled cheese sandwich alongside the soup. Sharp cheddar or gooey mozzarella work best to balance the tomato's acidity.
• Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness. The wine's bright, acidic notes will refresh the palate and highlight the tomato's natural sweetness.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano on top to add a burst of aromatic freshness. These herbs will elevate the soup's flavor profile and provide a vibrant green contrast.

Fun Ways to Spice Up the Basic Tomato Recipe

• Low-Sodium Delight: Replace regular broth with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, reducing salt content while maintaining rich flavor. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of traditional cream for a creamy texture that suits vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and roasted garlic during sautéing. Garnish with za'atar seasoning and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a zesty Mediterranean profile.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Stir in cooked white beans or shredded rotisserie chicken after blending. Top with crispy chickpeas or hemp seeds for additional protein and crunchy texture.

Tomato Soup FAQ—Made Simple

• Are canned or fresh tomatoes better for this soup?

Canned whole peeled tomatoes work best for consistent flavor and texture. They’re already ripe, reliable, and provide a rich, deep tomato taste with less prep work.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe will remain delicious and completely vegetarian-friendly.

• How smooth should the soup be when blending?

Blend until completely smooth for a silky, creamy texture. If you prefer some texture, blend partially to leave small tomato chunks for a rustic feel.

• What if I don't have an immersion blender?

Use a standard blender, but blend in small batches and be careful with hot liquid. Remove the center lid piece and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup.

Quick Instructions for a Flavorful Simmer

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Vessels

Grab a large pot and a knife for chopping. Set out a cutting board and your cooking utensils.

Step 2: Warm Butter And Sauté Aromatics

• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic cloves

Melt butter in the pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and whole garlic cloves. Cook while stirring until onions become soft and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Pour Tomato Mixture

• Whole tomatoes
• Vegetable or chicken broth

Add tomatoes with their juices and broth into the pot. Stir ingredients and bring to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Develop Flavor Profile

Lower heat to low. Cover pot partially with a lid. Let soup simmer quietly for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Transform Soup Texture

Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches and blend until creamy.

Step 6: Final Seasoning And Serving

Taste soup and sprinkle salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot with optional garnishes like crispy croutons, fresh basil leaves, or alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.

Tips for the Most Flavor with Fewer Steps

• Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select vine-ripened or plum tomatoes for the most intense, sweet flavor that elevates the soup's taste.
• Adjust Consistency Easily: Add more broth if the soup feels too thick, or let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Control Creaminess: Swap butter for olive oil to make the recipe vegan, or stir in heavy cream for extra richness and smooth texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast garlic and onions before adding to the pot for a deeper, caramelized undertone that adds complexity.
• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain the vibrant tomato flavor.

5 Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy “5 ingredient tomato soup” delivers comfort in a bowl, blending simple pantry staples into liquid gold. Rich, velvety goodness awaits when you dive into this Mediterranean-inspired classic that satisfies hunger with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 (28 ounces / 794 grams) cans whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a substantial cooking vessel over medium flame, introducing halved onion and whole garlic cloves to create a fragrant foundational layer.
2. Allow aromatics to soften and develop golden-brown edges, releasing their deep, rich essence for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes with their natural juices and complementary broth, stirring to integrate ingredients thoroughly.
4. Adjust heat to a gentle simmer, partially covering the pot to concentrate flavors and allow liquid to meld harmoniously for half an hour.
5. Remove from heat source and transform the rustic mixture into a silky-smooth consistency using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a standard blender.
6. Delicately season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Elevate the dining experience by garnishing with crisp croutons, vibrant fresh basil leaves, or pairing alongside a decadent grilled cheese companion for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Slice onions and garlic evenly to ensure consistent caramelization and flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Use ripe, high-quality canned tomatoes for a deeper, more robust tomato flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Experiment with herb variations like adding fresh thyme or oregano during simmering to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tomato base.
• For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, maintaining the soup’s rich and comforting essence.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg