Delicious Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe – Easy and Comforting

Traditional tomato soup is a French classic, loved for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Made with ripe tomatoes, tender onions, and fragrant herbs, this comforting homemade velouté evokes grandmother’s cooking and warms family meals on cool evenings.

Perfect Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe: Traditional Style

Discover the ultimate old-fashioned tomato soup: a silky blend of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, bursting with flavor yet perfectly smooth and never acidic.

With a hint of basil, every spoonful feels like pure comfort on a chilly day.

I once believed tomato soup was always too sharp, until a trip to Turkey changed my mind.

There, I tasted the creamiest, most delicate soup, and the chef revealed his secret, adding slow-roasted tomatoes.

Since then, I’ve made this recipe at home, and it never fails to impress: rich, velvety, and irresistibly delicious.

Serve it with warm and crispy bread, falafel, or even spiced meat pastries.

For an indulgent twist, try my husband’s idea — add sautéed shrimp on top, or garlic and herbes de Provence croutons.

Why You’ll Love Traditional Tomato Soup

Making homemade tomato soup couldn’t be easier — just a handful of everyday ingredients and a little time.

Fresh tomatoes bring vibrant flavor, while sun-dried ones add a deep, gourmet richness. The result? A wholesome, delicious soup with no additives.

• Easy to make: Simple, fresh ingredients and minimal effort.
• Authentic & comforting: A French classic that stirs childhood memories and warms the heart.
• Irresistibly creamy: A velvety texture that feels indulgent.
• Gentle, not acidic: Roasted tomatoes remove the sharpness for a smooth, balanced taste.
• Perfect for winter: Nourishing, cozy, and satisfying on cold days.
• Versatile: Serve with bread, croutons, or elevate it with shrimp or extra veggies.
• Light yet filling: Potato-free, but still hearty.
• Rich in flavor: Fresh and roasted tomatoes with basil deliver a bold, savory depth.
• Family-friendly: Its mild, comforting taste delights both kids and adults.

Ingredients for a Creamy, Flavourful Tomato Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil – The base for cooking, adding softness and aroma. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Cook gently to release their fragrance without burning, which can make them bitter.
• 1 onion, chopped (white, yellow, or red) – Any variety works. Slowly sweat it with the garlic for a sweet, caramelised flavour.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the colour and enhances the flavour. Sauté for one minute to reduce acidity.
• 1 can diced tomatoes (drained) or 500 g ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and seeded – For fresh tomatoes, choose fully ripe, red ones to avoid excess acidity. If using canned, pick a good-quality brand.
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil) – Add concentrated, slightly sweet flavour. Homemade oven-dried tomatoes are even better: no additives, and you control the quality.
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (or vegetable for a vegetarian option) – Brings depth and body to the soup. For the best result, use homemade broth.
• 1 ½ to 2 cups water – Adjust based on the texture you prefer: more water for a lighter soup, less for a creamy velouté.
• Fresh cream (optional, for garnish) – A swirl of cream when serving adds roundness and richness. Plant-based alternatives work as well.
• Chopped basil (optional, a few leaves for garnish) – Even dried basil enhances the Mediterranean flavour. If using fresh, add at the very end to preserve its aroma.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup

Step-by-Step Preparation (Traditional Method)

• Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté gently. As soon as it becomes fragrant, move to the next step to prevent burning.
• Stir in the chopped onions with a pinch of salt, then add the tomato paste. Cook for about 3 minutes to build flavor and reduce acidity.
• Add the fresh or canned tomatoes, the sun-dried tomatoes, and the bouillon cube (or use homemade broth for more depth).
• Pour in 1½ to 2 cups of water, depending on your desired consistency. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
• Let the soup cool slightly, then blend with a stand blender or immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Serve hot, topped with chopped basil and a swirl of cream if desired.

Thermomix Method

• Add olive oil, garlic, and onion to the bowl. Chop 5 sec / speed 5, then sauté 3 min / 120°C / speed 1.
• Add tomato paste, fresh or canned tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and the bouillon cube. Mix 5 sec / speed 5, then add water.
• Cook for 15 min / 100°C / speed 1.
• Blend for 1 min / speed 9 until velvety smooth.
• Adjust seasoning, then serve right away with basil and a touch of cream.

Tomato Soup Recipe – Questions & Answers

– What can I add to tomato soup to enhance the flavor?
This recipe is already packed with flavor, but you can boost it even more with a pinch of sugar, fresh herbs (like basil in this recipe), a little extra cream, and of course, salt and pepper to taste.

– Do I need to peel the tomatoes for soup?
No need to peel them, especially since the soup is blended until smooth at the end.

– How can I thicken tomato soup?

1. Simmer uncovered until some of the liquid evaporates and the soup thickens.
2. Stir in a mixture of 1 tbsp water with 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch, then cook uncovered.
3. Add 1–2 tbsp tomato paste and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.

– How do I make tomato soup less acidic?
Whole dairy, such as heavy cream, helps balance and mellow the acidity.

Creamy Tomato Soup Video