This creamy herbed tomato soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment.
Made with fresh ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream, it delivers rich flavor without being heavy.
Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, this recipe is both wholesome and satisfying.
It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough for entertaining—making it a versatile favorite for everyday cooking.
Creamy Herbed Tomato Soup
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan or soup pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 whisk or fork
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- 4 large basil leaves chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 ½ pounds fresh tomatoes peeled and cored (or 1 can, 35 oz with liquid)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base Ingredients: Begin by placing a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add ¼ cup (half a stick) of butter along with the olive oil. Allow the butter to melt completely until it turns glossy and aromatic. This blend of butter and oil not only prevents burning but also creates a rich foundation for the soup’s flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables and Herbs: Add the thinly sliced onion to the pot, followed by the thyme sprigs and chopped basil. Sprinkle in a light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to season early. Stir frequently with a wooden spoon, letting the onions soften and turn translucent. This process should take about 6–8 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their oils and perfume the base with a delicate, savory aroma.
- Add Fresh Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Next, stir in the peeled and cored fresh tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Mix thoroughly so the paste coats the onions and herbs, helping to intensify the tomato flavor. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the tomatoes will begin breaking down, creating a rustic and flavorful sauce-like base for the soup.
- Create a Smooth Flour Slurry: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with about 5 tablespoons of broth until no lumps remain. This slurry will act as a gentle thickener for the soup without clumping. Make sure the mixture is smooth before proceeding—this step ensures your soup turns silky instead of grainy.
- Blend the Slurry with the Tomato Mixture: Slowly pour the prepared flour slurry into the simmering tomato base while stirring constantly. This prevents lumps and helps the flour incorporate seamlessly. Once blended, add the remaining broth to the pot. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth consistency. Let the soup simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom.
- Puree the Soup Until Silky Smooth: After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for safety. Working in batches, carefully transfer the soup to a blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth and velvety. If using a blender, cover loosely and vent the lid slightly to let steam escape—this prevents accidents from hot liquid pressure. Return the pureed soup back into the pot.
- Enhance with Sugar and Cream: Place the pot back over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar to balance acidity and round out the flavors. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until fully combined. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step transforms the soup into a rich, creamy, and luscious dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- Finish with Buttery Richness: To finish, add the remaining ¼ cup of butter to the hot soup. Stir until the butter melts completely, giving the soup a final glossy texture and a luxurious mouthfeel. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For extra flavor and texture, garnish with crunchy croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve immediately with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the brightest flavor, but canned tomatoes work well when out of season.
- A flour slurry helps thicken the soup while keeping it smooth and creamy.
- Herbs like basil and thyme add depth, but you can experiment with rosemary, oregano, or parsley.
- Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the soup taste sweet.
- Adding the butter at the end gives the soup a glossy finish and richer taste.
- Blend carefully in batches—never overfill your blender with hot soup.
- Heavy cream creates velvety richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- The soup freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Croutons, grilled cheese, or a sprinkle of Parmesan elevate this dish.
- Adjust thickness with extra broth if you prefer a lighter consistency.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Results
The secret to making this herbed tomato soup exceptional lies in balancing flavors and textures.
Start with ripe, juicy tomatoes if they’re in season—this makes a remarkable difference in freshness and sweetness.
When using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality whole peeled varieties for the best results.
Always sauté the onions and herbs gently until fragrant, as this step lays the foundation for a deeply flavored broth.
The flour slurry ensures a smooth, creamy body without clumps, so whisk thoroughly before adding.
Lastly, don’t skip the final swirl of butter—it creates a silky finish and enhances the soup’s luxurious feel.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
This herbed tomato soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
A classic choice is serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
For a lighter option, pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetable platter.
Add croutons, a drizzle of basil oil, or freshly grated Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
It can also be served in small cups as an appetizer for dinner parties, making it both elegant and approachable.
If you’re meal prepping, consider pairing it with quinoa salad or grain bowls for balanced nutrition throughout the week.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
Proper storage helps this soup taste just as delicious the next day.
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more satisfying.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Avoid boiling once the cream is added, as high heat can cause separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps the soup rich while being completely dairy-free.
2. Do I have to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling ensures a smooth, velvety texture, but if you’re in a rush, you can leave the skins on. The soup will still taste delicious but may have a slightly more rustic consistency.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried basil in place of fresh sprigs or leaves. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so always use less than fresh.
4. How do I fix soup that’s too thick?
Simply stir in additional broth or even a splash of water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Adjust seasoning afterward, since dilution can soften the flavor.
5. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead cooking. Prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Just reheat gently when ready to serve, and add a fresh swirl of cream if you’d like to revive its richness.
