There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chunky tomato soup on a chilly evening. This recipe is more than just a quick dinner idea; it's a delicious dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend afternoons. Forget those bland canned soups – this recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful experience that will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to discover the joy of homemade cooking with this simple, healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a wonderful base of flavor for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a touch more basil or a pinch more red pepper flakes depending on your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chunky Tomato Soup:
- For a smoother soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after simmering, leaving some texture.
- Add some sweetness: A teaspoon of sugar or a splash of maple syrup can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Boost the flavor: A bay leaf added during simmering infuses a subtle, savory depth. Remove it before serving.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked beans, lentils, or small pasta shapes during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the pot for an intensely flavorful soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and serving size)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal any time of the year. Enjoy your homemade chunky tomato soup! Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed it and any variations you tried.