Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes and tomato paste, this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) bursts with peak-season flavor—even in the heart of winter! It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. This creamy soup is not just delicious; it’s also simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to warm up on chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This one-pot recipe is ready in 40 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The addition of cream creates a velvety texture that elevates simple ingredients into something special.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Enjoy it with crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Pantry Staples: Made primarily with canned ingredients, this soup is easy to whip up without a trip to the grocery store.
• Customizable: Adjust spices and herbs according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup efficiently, gather your kitchen tools and equipment ahead of time. This will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot (Dutch oven recommended)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Stand blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution while simmering the soup, preventing burning.
• Stand blender or immersion blender: Provides a smooth consistency by easily blending the soup to your desired texture.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For Flavor and Seasoning

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or generous pinch dried thyme)

Canned Ingredients

• one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Liquid Components

• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
• optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white apple vinegar (see Recipe Notes)

Creamy Finish

• 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.)

To Taste

• kosher salt and ground black pepper

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot:
1. Add the diced onion and carrots.
2. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
4. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until tomato paste browns and garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the fresh basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and optional apple vinegar to the pot:
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
4. Partially cover the pot and let simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches:
1. Fill the blender no more than ⅔ full.
2. Remove center cap from lid; cover hole with a thick kitchen towel while blending.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy; return blended soup back to the pot.
Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.

Step 4: Add Cream

Stir in your choice of cream or plant-based milk:
1. Cook over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until warmed through.
2. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle soup into individual bowls:
1. Top with cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves if desired.
2. Serve alongside crusty bread or a Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich for an ultimate comfort food experience! Enjoy!

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Serving Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a comforting meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Pair with Grilled Cheese

• A classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with the soup’s creamy texture. Use your favorite cheeses for a melty, gooey delight.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of thyme for an aromatic boost that complements the tomato flavor.

Add Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping. A rustic loaf or baguette works wonderfully, soaking up the delicious broth.

Include a Side Salad

• A light salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette for freshness.

Serve with Crunchy Croutons

• Top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture and flavor contrast.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.

How to Perfect Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Perfecting your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup involves attention to detail in both preparation and flavor balance. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection.

• Use good quality canned tomatoes – Opt for whole or crushed tomatoes from reputable brands, as they often have better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper until you reach your preferred flavor profile.
• Blend for smoothness – Ensure you blend the soup thoroughly for a creamy consistency, using an immersion blender if possible for ease.
• Experiment with herbs – Don’t shy away from adding different herbs like oregano or parsley for additional depth of flavor.
• Control creaminess – Adjust the amount of cream based on your preference; substitute plant milk for a lighter version if desired.
• Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

A variety of side dishes can complement your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup beautifully. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
   This classic sandwich features melted mozzarella between buttery toasted bread, perfect for dipping into the soup.

2. Garlic Breadsticks
   Soft, buttery sticks infused with garlic are not only delicious but also ideal for swiping through your creamy soup.

3. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing create a satisfying contrast alongside your warm tomato soup.

4. Veggie Platter with Hummus
   Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with hummus offer a refreshing crunch that pairs well.

5. Savory Scones
   Cheddar or herb scones can add a nice savory element, perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious soup.

6. Roasted Vegetable Medley
   A mix of seasonal roasted veggies can provide a hearty side that complements the flavors in your tomato soup nicely.

7. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an enjoyable finger food option alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

8. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies and herbs provides a wholesome and nutritious side dish to balance out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes), avoid these common pitfalls.

• Bold flavoring: Using too little seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
• Skipping the simmer: Not allowing the soup to simmer long enough can result in undercooked vegetables. Give it at least 15 minutes for optimal tenderness.
• Over-blending: Blending the soup for too long can make it too thin or lose texture. Blend just until smooth and creamy, keeping some body.
• Ignoring freshness: Using wilted herbs can affect the overall taste. Always use fresh basil and thyme for the best flavor profile.
• Neglecting storage: Improperly storing leftovers can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, until heated through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring gently until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) special?

This soup combines pantry staples like canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for rich flavor even in winter. It’s easy to make and comforting.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes; however, canned tomatoes provide a consistent flavor and texture that’s hard to beat during winter months.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat milk to make it vegan-friendly.

How can I customize my Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or spices like cumin or paprika for added depth of flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after resting. Prepare it up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is not only simple but also versatile. Enjoy its rich flavors as is or customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this cozy recipe a try; it’s perfect for warming up during cold days!