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

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your heart and home during those chilly winter nights, look no further than this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes). This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, not just because it’s easy to whip up, but also because it reminds me of comforting family dinners. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup transforms simple canned tomatoes into a bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over, this soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together at the table, sparking joy and filling bellies with love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this soup is perfect for those days when time is tight.
• Deliciously Comforting: A creamy texture combined with fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand—this recipe welcomes variations and substitutions!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The smooth texture and delicious taste make it an easy win for even the pickiest eaters.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week; it stores well in the fridge or freezer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes), you’ll need:

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
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or generous pinch dried thyme)
• one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock or broth

For Creaminess

• optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white grape juice (see Recipe Notes)
• 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.)
• kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a kick!
• Herb Swap: Change up the herbs! Try using parsley or oregano if basil isn’t your favorite.
• Make It Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the diced vegetables before blending for added texture.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your diced onion and carrots. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Sauté until they soften slightly—about 5-6 minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base by allowing the onions to become sweet and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste along with optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook for another minute or two until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes aromatic. This caramelization adds depth to our soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add fresh basil, thyme leaves, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and any optional grape juice into your pot. Stir well to combine everything! Bring this lovely mixture to a boil before reducing it to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Carefully transfer your soup to a stand blender in batches if needed—be sure not to fill more than two-thirds full! Remember to cover the lid with a kitchen towel while blending; this prevents splatters. Once smooth and creamy, return it back to your pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot!

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Stir in your choice of cream or plant-based milk over medium-low heat until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. The cream will enhance that luxurious texture we all crave!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your delightful soup into bowls and top as desired with cracked black pepper, extra basil leaves, or more crushed red pepper flakes if you like! Pair with crusty bread or a melty grilled cheese sandwich for an unforgettable winter meal.

Enjoy every spoonful of this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)!

Pro Tips for Making Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Making a delicious soup is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and thyme will elevate the flavor of your soup. They add brightness and depth, making the dish feel more vibrant, even in colder months.

• Don’t skip the tomato paste: Browning the tomato paste before adding other ingredients intensifies its flavor. This step adds a rich, caramelized sweetness that enhances the overall taste of your soup.

• Adjust the creaminess: Feel free to modify the amount of cream or plant milk based on your preference. If you want a lighter soup, reduce the cream; for an indulgent treat, add more!

• Blend until smooth: The smoother your soup, the more luxurious it will feel. Take your time blending to achieve that velvety texture that’s so comforting in each spoonful.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is crucial! Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This will ensure every bowl is perfectly seasoned.

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

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this cozy soup! Here are some delightful ideas to bring your dish to life.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few sprigs on top not only look beautiful but also add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle right before serving adds a nice kick and enhances the aroma.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these provide an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing melts together beautifully with the soup, adding satisfying crunch and gooeyness—perfect for dipping!

• Crusty French Bread: Freshly baked or toasted slices of crusty bread are ideal for soaking up every last drop of tomato goodness.

• Simple Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup while balancing flavors on your plate.

• Roasted Garlic Breadsticks: These cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dipping and add an irresistible garlicky flavor that pairs wonderfully with tomato soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a warm and inviting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cozy night in with this creamy delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it easy to whip up a batch on the weekend and enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Always label your containers with the date for freshness tracking.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious soup!

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup?

Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2 pounds. Just chop them up and add them at the same stage as you would with canned tomatoes. Simmer longer until they break down.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

You can use unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a lighter version. Alternatively, coconut cream will give a rich flavor while keeping it creamy.

Is this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! By using plant-based milk instead of heavy cream, this soup can easily be made vegan.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To amp up the spice level, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when blending. You can also experiment with different types of chili powders!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to toss in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during cooking. They’ll add extra nutrition and flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this cozy Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup! It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for those chilly days when all you want is something warm. Enjoy every spoonful, share it with loved ones—or keep it all to yourself! Happy cooking!