A really simple classic homemade tomato soup that you can make in just half an hour and with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Why buy tomato soup when it’s this quick and easy to make!
Healthy, easy and not a sandwich
Do you sometimes lack inspiration for everyday lunches? I do, and I sometimes find it takes me far longer than it should do to make a simple sandwich!
This classic homemade tomato soup is a wonderful lunch option for those days when you’re in the mood for something healthy, simple and comforting for lunch – something that’s NOT a sandwich!
And surprisingly, I don’t think it takes any more effort than a sandwich either.
What ingredients you need to make a classic tomato soup
There are very few recipes that you can truly make with just a few pantry ingredients and still end up with something very delicious.
This tomato soup is definitely one of them.
If you’ve got these ingredients, you’re all set!
- some simple veggies: an onion, a carrot and 2 sticks of celery (you can skip any of these you don’t have)
- garlic
- liquid: canned/tinned tomatoes and chicken or vegetable stock
- seasonings: fresh or dried basil (or any Italian herb!) and plenty of salt and pepper
- to balance the flavours: a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and honey (or a spoonful of sugar)
Optional extras
For a bit of extra ‘oomph’, if you like you can add:
- some parmesan cheese before you blend the soup
- a can/tin of white beans – either add them before blending the soup or after to keep them whole!
- some tasty cheese on the top to serve and/or some more fresh basil
How to make it in just 30 minutes
This easy tomato soup takes just 10 minutes to prep.
All you do is pan fry a few simple vegetables and garlic in olive oil. Then add the liquid.
Let your soup simmer in a saucepan for about 10 minutes, then blend it with a hand held blender.
Just before serving, add your herbs, vinegar and honey. And just like that you have a quick, delicious and nutritious meal.
Got an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker?
These days I make my tomato soup in my pressure cooker. It’s debatably easier and faster.
I still cook my vegetables for a couple of minutes on the saute function before sealing the cooker, but you probably don’t have to.
Then I cook for just 10 minutes at a medium pressure. Quick or auto pressure release is fine.
Then blend and add the herbs, vinegar and honey!
How long does the soup keep?
This soup keeps really well. So you can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for lunches all week.
If that’s too much soup in one week for you, of course just like any soup this homemade tomato soup freezes excellently. Just pour leftovers into plastic or glass containers with lids. Or you can freeze them in freezer bags.
Just remember to let the soup cool completely before freezing. Also don’t overfill your containers. Liquid expands as it cools so leave a bit of space at the top of your container or bag.
Your soup will keep for 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
Cheeky suggestion: This tomato soup is absolutely delicious served with these supermarket copycat cheese twists!
More easy lunch recipes you might like
- This is the best Spanish omelette recipe and you can make it with just 5 ingredients. You won’t believe how delicious it is!
- This Greek spinach and feta filo pie makes a lovely lunch just for yourself, or for guests.
- This crustless quiche can be made with whatever odds and ends you have in the fridge. It’s much quicker and easier than a classic quiche, but just as delicious. Some people call it ‘impossible quiche’!
- A Greek salad has to be one of the most delicious (not to mention easy) salads imaginable. But did you know it makes a great simple lunch? Serve with a bit of quality bread, and you’re good to go.
- Or check out all my easy lunch ideas here.
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An easy, classic tomato soup
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 1 onion chopped finely
- 1 carrot peeled and chopped into small pieces (optional)
- 2 sticks of celery chopped finely
- 2 garlic cloves sliced or crushed
- 28 ounces of tomatoes in their juice (two cans) whole or chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock best quality
- freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- a drizzle or two of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon or so of sugar optional
to serve (optional)
- bread or rolls sprinkled with parmesan cheese and broiled UK = grilled!
- a little Greek yoghurt or cream to stir in at the table
Instructions
- Heat up a good lug of olive oil in a large deep pan on a medium heat, then add the onion, carrot (if using) and celery. Put the lid on the pan and leave it all to cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Add the tomatoes and stock and simmer for another ten minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth with a food processor or hand held blender (or you can leave it a little chunky if you prefer), then add salt and pepper to taste and the basil and blend for a few seconds longer.
- Tip the soup back in the pan and add the vinegar and sugar if including. Heat back up a little if necessary and serve, with bread and yoghurt/cream if you like.
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
Helen, I’m finally catching up on many of the posts I’ve missed while taking a break to get settled in our new home.
Oh boy! I think everyone has one of those I-left-it-on-top-of-the-car or I-know-someone-who-left-it-on-top-of-the-car stories! I’m glad that your boss was understanding.
This soup looks incredible. I’m a big fan of tomato soup. The nights are starting to get chilly here, and that makes me excited for soup season!
Helen says
Hi, Ashley! Snap, then! So I’m sure you can understand how tiring moving is … crazy, isn’t it? I’ve been keeping the blog going but sometimes it seems like only barely!
Anyway, I’ll be popping over to your blog again soon to catch up with you. So glad you settling in and getting back to normal again, too! 🙂
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
Yumm! I love tomato soup. This recipe looks so easy and so good can’t wait to try.
Helen says
Hi, Kelley! Thanks so much for passing by. And so glad you like the soup!
Karla - The Candid Kitchen says
Hi Helen, I was really missing stopping by to say hello and check your lovely recipes =) Busy weeks…
I´m a big tomato soup fan, I love the classics!
Helen says
Hi, Karla! Don’t worry! I’ve been a bit the same lately. I’m finding it very hard to keep up with commenting etc. (actually with blogging in general) but that’s OK – I think it happens to all of us sometimes 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Tomato soup is one of my favorites, and an easy recipe is a must-have! This one looks so delicious – pinned!
Helen says
Hi Rachel …. thanks so much for the pin! Really glad you like the soup!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
Happy I came across your blog and happy to hear I am not the only clumsy one out there 🙂 I almost dropped my entire tea on my laptop the other day!
And this tomato soup looks so simple and delicious! Right up my alley 🙂 Pinned!
Helen says
Hi, Ceara! So happy to ‘meet’ you – and that you’re a bit clumsy, too 😉 Thank goodness you didn’t spill that tea … that would have been a bit of a heart-stopper!
So glad you like the soup and thanks so much for pinning!
[email protected] says
Classic tomato soup is my go to comfort food always!! Throw in some cheesy garlic bread and some tv, I am one happy person!!
Helen says
Ooh, cheesy garlic bread – that’s what I’ll make next time to go with this! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You definitely can’t go wrong with a classic tomato soup. This looks fantastic, Helen! I would love to dip my grilled cheese sandwich in this soup!
Helen says
Hi, Gayle, and so glad you approve of this. You’re right that you can’t really go wrong. And the grilled cheese is definitely a must!
whatjessicabakednext says
Love tomato soup, one of my favourites! Classic recipes are always the best!
Helen says
Agreed! Thanks, Jess! 🙂
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
hahaha I’m sure this must have been a terrible moment when it happened but it’s so cute!!!!! I can relate with everything you’ve said! I’m just as clumsy as you are, I’m guessing this is all food bloggers’ common trait? hehehe!!!! 😀 I’m loving this tomato soup!!!!!! It’s my favorite kind of soup and every time I crave comfort food, tomato soup tops my list! I’ve recently purchased a hand blender so I’m very excited to make a proper soup instead of ordering it from a restaurant!!!!
Helen says
I love my little hand blender, even though I have to issue a splatter alert every time I use it … haha! So glad you like it, Samina! 🙂
Kathleen @ hapanom says
You’re story is so funny and so relatable! This totally sounds like something I would do – in fact, I just spilled soup all over the floor last night when I was doing the dishes! The soup looks fantastic! I think I’ll make myself a big ol’ batch of this the next time I make grilled cheese sandwiches – a match made in heaven 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Kathleen! So happy to have made you smile a little with this post. I think we food bloggers are all the same – always chucking things around and making a big old mess! So glad you like the soup, too – enjoy!
Eva says
J’adore lire tes anecdotes Helen, il me font toujours rigolé ! Ta soupe a l’air superbe et j’aime beaucoup la présentation ! Je te souhaite un très bon weekend “chez toi” !
Helen says
Je te souhaite un tres bon weekend, toi aussi, Eva! Merci pour l’encouragement encore une fois. Ca me fait plaisir que mes anecdotes te font rigole! 🙂