This Tomato Soup Recipe (Gluten Free, Keto and Dairy Free) is made with plant-based butter, onion, San Marzano tomatoes, broth, almond milk, and pesto.
Tomato soup, a beloved and timeless dish, has long been cherished for its delicious flavors and heartwarming qualities. Its vibrant red color and rich taste make it a popular choice among soup enthusiasts worldwide. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, tomato soup holds a special place in culinary traditions and is known for its comforting and versatile nature.
At its core, tomato soup is a simple yet delightful concoction that revolves around the starring ingredient: tomatoes. Bursting with natural sweetness and a hint of acidity, tomatoes form the foundation of this soup, infusing it with their distinctive essence. Combined with various seasonings and ingredients, tomato soup transforms into a delectable blend that tantalizes the taste buds.
Other great soup recipes to try is my Instant Pot French Onion Soup or my Tortellini Soup.
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What is Tomato Soup?
Tomato soup is a type of soup that is primarily made from tomatoes. It is a popular and versatile dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. The soup typically consists of tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, and various seasonings and ingredients for added flavor.
The preparation of tomato soup can vary depending on regional preferences and personal taste. Common ingredients used in tomato soup recipes include onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs such as basil or oregano. These ingredients are often sautéed or cooked together before the tomatoes and broth are added.
Why you will love this recipe
Full of flavor: The combination of the tomatoes with the milk balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Hearty: This soup is so wholesome, hearty and hits the spot, especially when it is cold out.
Great for cold weather: I love making this tomato soup in the fall season, and pair with a toasted grilled cheese.
Tomato Soup Recipe Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this Tomato Soup Recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Olive oil or Plant-based Butter
- Yellow onion
- San Marzano tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Almond milk
- Pesto
- Basil
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Tomato Soup
In a large dutch oven or lidded pot on medium heat, add the vegan butter and wait for it to melt. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
Pour contents to a blender as well as the milk and pesto. Blend until smooth.
Garnish with basil.
What to serve with Tomato Soup
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combination, the crispy and cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich provides a delightful contrast to the smooth and savory tomato soup. Dip the sandwich into the soup or enjoy them side by side.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Slices of crusty bread or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to tomato soup. They can be used for dipping or enjoyed on their own, adding a satisfying crunch and a touch of indulgence to each bite.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad can complement the heartiness of tomato soup. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, a Caesar salad, or a Caprese salad featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Bruschetta: This Italian appetizer featuring toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil is a fantastic match for tomato soup. The bruschetta adds a burst of freshness and a delightful contrast of textures.
Substitutions
Vegan Butter: I used plant-based butter but you can use olive oil instead.
Onion: I used yellow onion but feel free to use red or white onion instead.
Tomatoes: I used San Marzano tomatoes but feel free to use whole peeled tomatoes. You can also use crushed or diced tomatoes from a can.
Broth: I used vegetable broth but feel free to use chicken or beef broth.
Milk: If you want this to be dairy free, feel free to use almond milk or oat milk. If you are not dairy free, feel free to use whole milk instead.
Pesto: Feel free to use vegan pesto or regular pesto. This should be added at the end.
Tomato Soup Recipe Variations
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Add fresh basil leaves to the tomato soup while it simmers, and blend the soup until smooth for a creamy and fragrant variation. Finish it off with a swirl of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Infuse your tomato soup with a kick of heat by adding spices like red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to your liking and balance it with a touch of sweetness from a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Enhance the depth of flavor by roasting the tomatoes before making the soup. Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they caramelize. Blend the roasted tomatoes with broth and seasonings for a rich and smoky tomato soup.
- Tomato and Red Pepper Soup: Combine roasted red bell peppers with tomatoes for a vibrant and flavorful soup. Roast the peppers until charred, remove the skin and seeds, and blend them with tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. The result is a slightly sweet and smoky soup with a hint of tanginess.
Check out this Zucchini Beef Soup.
Equipment
To make tomato soup, you will typically need the following equipment:
- Soup Pot or Saucepan: A medium to large-sized pot or saucepan is essential for cooking the soup. Choose a pot with a capacity that can accommodate the ingredients and allow room for stirring.
- Cutting Board and Knife: A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife will be necessary for chopping the vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and celery, that may be used in the soup.
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle: A wooden spoon or ladle is useful for stirring the soup while it simmers and ensuring that it cooks evenly.
- Blender or Immersion Blender (optional): If you prefer a smooth and creamy texture, you may want to use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup. This step is optional, as some prefer to leave the soup chunky.
- Strainer or Sieve (optional): If you choose to puree the soup and desire an extra smooth consistency, you can use a strainer or sieve to remove any remaining solids or seeds.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for achieving the desired flavor balance in your tomato soup. Have a set of measuring cups and spoons handy.
- Oven or Roasting Pan (optional): If you plan to make a roasted tomato soup variation, you will need an oven or a roasting pan to roast the tomatoes until they caramelize.
- Blender for Roasted Variation (optional): If you make a roasted tomato soup, you may need a blender to puree the roasted tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
- Grater (optional): If you're making a variation with cheese, such as cheddar tomato soup, you may need a grater to shred the cheese.
How to store Tomato Soup
To store my Tomato Soup Recipe properly, follow these guidelines:
- Cool the Soup: Allow the tomato soup to cool completely before storing it. You can do this by letting it sit at room temperature for a while or placing the pot in an ice bath to expedite the cooling process.
- Choose Storage Containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags suitable for storing liquids. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or plastic containers with secure seals work well. Ensure the containers are clean and dry before use.
- Portion Control: Consider portioning the soup into smaller containers or bags, especially if you don't plan to consume the entire batch at once. This allows for convenient reheating and minimizes waste.
- Label and Date: Use labels or markers to indicate the contents and date of preparation on each container. This will help you keep track of the soup's freshness and avoid confusion later on.
- Refrigeration: Place the airtight containers of tomato soup in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume the soup within 3-4 days to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. Be sure the refrigerator temperature is set below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
- Freezing (Optional): If you have a larger quantity of tomato soup or want to store it for an extended period, freezing is a good option. Ensure the soup is completely chilled before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. Tomato soup can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to consume, thaw frozen tomato soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. To reheat the soup, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until the desired temperature is reached.
Tomato Soup Recipe Top tips
- Sauté the Aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and other aromatic vegetables in a bit of oil or butter before adding the tomatoes can enhance the depth of flavor in your soup. This step helps release their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the final dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the taste of your tomato soup. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant flavors.
- Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can be naturally acidic. To balance the acidity and enhance the sweetness, you can add a small amount of sugar or a pinch of baking soda to the soup. Adjust the sweetness to your preference while maintaining a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Creamy Textures: If you prefer a creamy tomato soup, you can add a touch of cream, milk, or coconut milk to achieve a rich and velvety consistency. Incorporate the cream at the end of the cooking process, and remember to heat it gently to avoid curdling.
- Seasoning Layering: Season the soup gradually and taste as you go. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust to your liking. Allow the soup to simmer and flavors to meld together before making any additional seasoning adjustments.
- Blending Techniques: If you prefer a smooth and silky texture, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup. To avoid splatters, blend in small batches and hold a towel over the lid of the blender. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if needed.
- Garnish and Texture: Consider adding toppings or garnishes to enhance the presentation and texture of the soup. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, croutons, grated cheese, or a swirl of cream can all add visual appeal and a delightful touch.
Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tomato Soup (Gluten Free, Keto and Dairy Free) is made with plant-based butter, onion, San Marzano tomatoes, broth, and almond milk.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 (28 oz) can san Marzano tomatoes
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 (6 oz) jar of pesto with sun-dried tomato
- Basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Stovetop: In a large dutch oven or lidded pot on medium heat, add the butter and wait for it to melt. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
- Pour contents to a blender as well as the milk and pesto. Blend until smooth.
- Garnish with basil.
- Instant Pot: Hit the sauté button and add the butter. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes and salt and pepper. Pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- When it is done cooking, add the contents in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the milk and pesto in the blender and blend until combined.
- Add the liquid back into the instant pot and pressure cook for another minute to thicken the soup.
- Serve warm and garnish with basil.
Notes
- Sauté the Aromatics: Sautéing onions, garlic, and other aromatic vegetables in a bit of oil or butter before adding the tomatoes can enhance the depth of flavor in your soup. This step helps release their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the final dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the taste of your tomato soup. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant flavors.
- Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can be naturally acidic. To balance the acidity and enhance the sweetness, you can add a small amount of sugar or a pinch of baking soda to the soup. Adjust the sweetness to your preference while maintaining a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Creamy Textures: If you prefer a creamy tomato soup, you can add a touch of cream, milk, or coconut milk to achieve a rich and velvety consistency. Incorporate the cream at the end of the cooking process, and remember to heat it gently to avoid curdling.
- Seasoning Layering: Season the soup gradually and taste as you go. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and adjust to your liking. Allow the soup to simmer and flavors to meld together before making any additional seasoning adjustments.
- Blending Techniques: If you prefer a smooth and silky texture, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup. To avoid splatters, blend in small batches and hold a towel over the lid of the blender. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches if needed.
- Garnish and Texture: Consider adding toppings or garnishes to enhance the presentation and texture of the soup. Fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, croutons, grated cheese, or a swirl of cream can all add visual appeal and a delightful touch.
- Make Ahead and Reheating: Tomato soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to develop further. You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes + comes to pressure time
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 32.2
- Sugar: 2.6 g
- Sodium: 1,248.0 mg
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.3 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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