How to Make Tomato Soup

Do you need a great tomato soup recipe? When you have a craving for a soul-warming cup of tomato soup, you don't have to settle for a version out of a can. Our guide, how to make tomato soup, presents a simple recipe to make your own fresh soup, along with several variations to give it additional flavors, textures and nutrients.

Whether you want to use it as a dip for your grilled cheese sandwich, as a starter for a delicious Italian meal or simply a way to warm up on a chilly day, a cup of tomato soup will definitely hit the spot. Once you discover how easy it is to make this delicious starter, you'll be eager to experiment with recipe variations to create a version of your own.

• Gather the following kitchen tools and ingredients to make four to six servings of the smooth and flavorful tomato soup.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped, fresh tomatoes or 28 ounces canned tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 cups vegetable stock or broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹/₂ cup heavy cream, optional

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Spoon
• Stove
• Immersion blender, food processor, blender or food mill

• • After you've found all of the items that you will need for the tomato soup, you should be able to create it in about 30 minutes.

1. Place the butter in the saucepan and melt over medium-low heat.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_9 tomato soup
2. Add the onion and garlic.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cooking-school-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_8VIDEO
3. Stir continuously until the onions are translucent and soft.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cooking-school-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_8VIDEO
4. Add the canned tomatoes such as stewed, whole peeled or whole plum tomatoes to the mixture.http://www.recipezaar.com/Quick-Homemade-Tomato-Soup-12438
   • -You can also use chopped fresh tomatoes instead of the canned variety.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garden-Fresh-Tomato-Soup/Detail.aspx
   • -Also consider roasting a combination of fresh heirloom, cherry, vine and plum tomatoes to give the soup additional flavor.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/roasted-tomato-soup-recipe/index.html
5. Add the veggie stock and salt and pepper to taste.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cooking-school-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_8VIDEO
6. Bring the soup to a boil.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garden-Fresh-Tomato-Soup/Detail.aspx
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_9
8. Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree it until it's smooth.http://www.recipezaar.com/Quick-Homemade-Tomato-Soup-12438
   • -You can also puree the soup in batches in a blender.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_9
   • -If the soup is too thick, even after blending, add more stock until it's the desired consistency.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_9
9. To create a creamy tomato soup, return the pureed soup to a pot on low heat and whisk in heavy cream.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/roasted-tomato-soup-recipe/index.html
10. Serve immediately or store the tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat over a medium-high flame before serving.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cooking-school-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_8VIDEO

• Once you've mastered the basic tomato soup recipe, create a version with different flavors and textures with one of these hearty variations.

1. Combine tomatoes with ingredients like fennel, celery, red bell peppers and sweet onion and chill to create refreshing gazpacho.http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1094695
2. Add red chili pepper to give the tomato soup extra kick.http://www.wholeliving.com/recipe/spicy-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_14
3. Blend in day-old bread to create a Tuscan bread soup.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/bread-and-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_1
4. Chickpeas and roasted red peppers add flavor, texture and color to the tomato soup.http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/spiced-chickpea-and-tomato-soup?autonomy_kw=tomato%20soup&rsc=header_24
5. Noodles give the tomato soup added heartiness.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grandmas-Tomato-Soup/Detail.aspx
6. Use basil and whipping cream to make a creamy tomato soup with Italian flavor.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Basil-Tomato-Soup/Detail.aspx
7. Impart a smoky flavor by roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup.http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/roasttomatoandcrmefr_65732.shtml