When the biting chill of winter sets in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to wrap you in a cozy embrace. I discovered this Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup while rummaging through my cupboard, and it quickly became my go-to comfort meal. The simplicity of using canned tomatoes, paired with aromatic onions and fresh basil, packs a punch of flavor that's both comforting and nourishing.
In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, velvety soup that feels indulgent yet is wonderfully easy to make. What sets this recipe apart is its versatility - it can be adjusted for a dairy-free option, and you can even heighten its flavors with a splash of white wine if you're feeling fancy.
Grab your favorite mug or bowl, and let's savor the season with a heartwarming dish that warms not just the stomach, but the soul. This tomato soup is just what you need for those cold, grey days!
Why Choose Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup?
Comforting warmth: This Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup wraps you in a cozy embrace, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights.
Rich flavor: The combination of canned tomatoes, sweet onions, and fresh basil brings depth and zest to every spoonful.
Time-saving: Whip up this delicious meal in just 40 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Dairy-free options: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by swapping heavy cream for almond or oat milk, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Versatile pairing: Enjoy it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Nutrient-rich: This soup is not just tasty, it’s packed with vitamins, making it a light yet hearty option for any winter occasion.
Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes - Base of this soup, providing a rich and tangy flavor, perfect for warmth in winter.
• Tomato Paste - Deepens the richness and intensifies the tomato flavor for a comforting experience.
• Onion - Adds natural sweetness and depth; sauté for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Carrots - Brings additional sweetness; dice finely for faster cooking and flavor melding.
• Fresh Basil - Imparts a fragrant herbal note; add fresh at the end for a bright finish.
• White Wine (optional) - Introduces acidity and complexity; use broth and a splash of vinegar if not desired.
• Heavy Cream or Dairy-Free Milk - Creates a creamy texture; substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Vegetable Broth - Provides a flavorful base, adding body to your delicious middle-of-winter tomato soup.
For Serving
• Extra Basil - A lovely garnish that enhances presentation and aroma.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich (recommended) - Perfectly complements the soup's warmth, creating the ultimate comfort meal.
• Garlic Bread - A satisfying side that pairs beautifully with this creamy dish.
This cozy dish is sure to warm your spirit on those chilly winter nights!
How to Make Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup
Prep Ingredients: Begin by dicing your onions and carrots, measuring out the canned crushed tomatoes, and gathering the remaining ingredients. Preparation is key for a smooth cooking experience.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and carrots until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This will create a wonderful base for your soup.
Simmer: Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and optional white wine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Blend: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend it less. Then stir in the heavy cream or your chosen dairy-free alternative.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil, and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Optional: Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup
Fridge: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed for a smoother texture.
Freezer: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring well to restore its creamy texture.
Portioning: Consider freezing the soup in single-serving portions for easy meal prep and quick weeknight dinners of Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup.
Expert Tips for Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup
Quality Matters: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer, more flavorful soup. This choice significantly impacts the taste of your Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup.
Balance Acidity: If your soup tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to counterbalance the acidity from the tomatoes-this will enhance the overall flavor.
Perfect Consistency: For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. If it's too thick for your liking, simply stir in more vegetable broth until desired consistency is reached.
Herb Enhancement: Adding fresh basil at the end keeps its flavor bright. If using dried herbs, include them during simmering for deeper infusion.
Safety First: Use caution while blending hot soup. If using a stand blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid spills and burns.
What to Serve with Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup?
Nothing elevates your cozy tomato soup experience like a few delicious accompaniments that create a complete, heartwarming meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The melty cheese and crunchy bread perfectly complement the soup’s creaminess, adding layers of flavor and texture.
Garlic Bread: With its aromatic flavors, garlic bread adds a delightful crunch, making it an irresistible side to dip into the soup.
Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad brings a crisp contrast to the rich soup. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for vibrancy.
Homemade Croutons: Crunchy, buttery croutons are perfect for adding texture to every bite, enhancing your soup experience with their golden crispiness.
Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of these spicy flakes gives a delightful kick to the soup, awakening and balancing its flavors.
Herbed Olive Oil: Drizzling herbs-infused olive oil on top provides a burst of freshness that elevates the overall taste of the soup.
Red Wine: A glass of bold red wine pairs delightfully, enhancing the soup’s flavors while making for a cozy dinner experience.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect winter meal!
Make Ahead Options
These Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can dice the onions and carrots and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, allowing you to save precious time on busy weeknights. The canned tomatoes and other dry ingredients can be measured out and kept handy as well. When you're ready to serve this wonderful soup, simply sauté the prepped vegetables, mix in the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer as directed. This way, you'll enjoy a deliciously comforting soup that’s just as tasty, saving you time without sacrificing quality!
Variations & Substitutions for Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup
There’s so much joy in customizing this creamy dish! Let your creativity shine as you explore delicious alternatives that keep every bowl exciting.
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy dairy-free option that adds a subtle tropical twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking for a zesty heat that warms you from the inside.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance flavor with dried Italian herbs or thyme, adding them during the simmer for deeper notes. Fresh herbs can also be stirred in for brightness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss in roasted red peppers or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor and texture, infusing the soup with hearty goodness.
- Chickpea Boost: Add canned chickpeas for added protein and fiber, turning this soup into a more filling meal option.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a sensational smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors, making every spoonful pop with enhanced freshness.
- Garnish Variations: Experiment with toppings like croutons, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, or even a swirl of pesto for an eye-catching finish.
Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best canned tomatoes for my Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes that have no added sugars or preservatives. The flavor of your soup heavily relies on these tomatoes, so choose those labeled as "San Marzano" or "organic" for a richer taste. If possible, opt for BPA-free cans, as this ensures a healthier meal.
What's the best way to store leftovers from the soup?
I recommend transferring any leftover Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup into an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened.
Can I freeze Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze your soup, let it cool completely. Then, divide the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring well.
What are some common issues that might arise while making this soup, and how can I fix them?
If your soup turns out too acidic, don’t panic! Just add a pinch of sugar to balance that tanginess. If it feels too thick, simply stir in more vegetable broth until you achieve the desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend the soup less and leave some pieces intact for added body.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies when making this soup?
Yes, while most ingredients are safe for human consumption, avoid feeding your cat or dog tomatoes as they can be harmful in large amounts. If you have allergies or intolerances, you can easily modify this recipe-swap heavy cream for a safe alternative like almond milk, and ensure all your ingredients are certified free from allergens if necessary.
Can I make the soup in advance?
Very much so! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just cool, store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, making for an even more delicious Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup.
Cozy Up with Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup That’s Easy and Creamy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by dicing your onions and carrots, measuring out the canned crushed tomatoes, and gathering the remaining ingredients.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions and carrots until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and optional white wine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream or dairy-free alternative.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with extra fresh basil, and serve warm.
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