How to make homemade tomato soup just like Campbell’s used to make! Actually, I think they still make it, butwho needs it when this dairy free and real food version is just as easy, twice as good, and much better for you? This creamy homemade tomato soup is gluten free, vegan, paleo, and Whole30 compliant. Best of all? It requiresjust a few pantry staples to make and is perfect for dinner on a chilly weeknight!
Is there any combination of foods more familiar and soothing than homemade tomato soup?
I think we all know the answer to that: no way. Actually, maybe the only thing better than a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup is that bowl served with a dunkable grilled cheese (or grilled cheeze, for the vegan and lactose-intolerant crowd) sandwich on the side.
As half of the country is probably stillworking on shoveling itself out of a snowdrift, there’s no better time to re-enact that classic Campbell’s commercial where the kid warms up with a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Only…let’s face it, who wants to eat that shelf stable version with one million ingredients when an all-natural, homemade tomato soup made of only 3 ingredients (plus salt, pepper and spices) is just a few stirs away?
How to make homemade tomato soup
Go to your pantry. Gather:
1 large can crushed tomatoes(about 28 ounces, or 4-5 cups)
1 can unsweetened full fat coconut milk
Olive oil
A bunch of spices
That’s really it. In the time since I originally posted this recipe, I’ve simplified the recipe to use onion powder instead of fresh onions, but if you prefer to go the fresh route, feel free. You can read the note at the end of the recipe for this variation.
Now, to make the soup, just heat up some olive oil, fry the spices (this helps unlock maximum flavor), and then add the contents of the two cans. Stir, simmer, serve.
OK, I think it’s important to come clean about something here: this recipe is SO easy that you might think something is wrong. Or you’re missing something. Or it can’t possibly be healthy. You may have heard rumors to that effect…. (maybe?)
Lies! All lies!
This easy tomato soup recipe is, in fact, everything it promises to be. Dozens of happy and full readers, who have written to me or left comments telling me how often they make this in their homes, would tell you the same!
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
How to make homemade tomato soup! Who needs Campbell's when this super creamy homemade version is just as easy, twice as good, and much better for you?
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
4-5 cups tomato puree
15 ounces unsweetened full fat coconut milk, (1 3/4 cups)
1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Heat the oil in a stockpot.
Add all of the spices except the salt and pepper, and fry until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot, stir to combine and bring to a simmer and cook 5 more minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle a little.
Stir in the coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the fridge for up to a month.
Notes
This recipe has been updated to make it even easier, and in doing so, the fresh onion was removed from the recipe. If you would like to use fresh onion instead of onion powder: sweat 1/2 cup thinly sliced sweet onion in the olive oil before adding the spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, then use a stick blender to puree the soup until smooth before serving.
Please leave me a comment and rating, or tag me on Instagram using @nora_acleanbake or #acleanbake!
PS: don’t forget your grilled cheese! In case you missed it, I have a paleo sandwich bread and a low carb blender sandwich bread recipe that might be perfect.
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The standard direction for a can of condensed Tomato Soup is to put the condensed soup in a saucepan, fill the can with water, add the water to the pan, stir, and heat just to the point of simmer. BUT. It's MUCH better with Milk, which makes it a creamy tomato soup, a bit more like a tomato bisque.
Yes, adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acidity in tomato soup. However, it is important to use it sparingly, as using too much can alter the flavor of the soup. Alternatively, adding herbs like basil or oregano can complement the acidity and add a fresh, aromatic element.
Removing the skins can result in a smoother, silkier consistency, which some people prefer. Peeling tomatoes for tomato soup is optional. Some recipes recommend blanching the tomatoes to easily remove the skin, while others use the tomatoes with the skin on for added texture and flavor.
A small amount of sugar can help round out the flavor, while too much can make it overly sweet and potentially ruin the dish. Adding sugar may also reduce the acidity in a soup, making it taste less acidic.
In this recipe I use 1/4 tsp of baking soda for 3 1/2 cups of tomatoes. In this quantity, the baking soda is totally undetectable. Don't be tempted to use more, however, or you'll be left with a soapy, odd-tasting soup. If you've accidentally added too much, you can simply add more tomatoes.
If your sauce or soup contains an acidic ingredient like wine, tomatoes, or lemon juice, the milk is more likely to curdle. To counteract the effect of the acid, you can use a starch along with the acid.
For the most intense tomato flavor, include a couple tablespoons of tomato paste. To get the most out of it, add it to the pan when aromatics like onion and garlic are softened, but before adding the tomatoes. Let the paste cook, stirring frequently, for a few minutes, or until it starts to darken in color.
If the soup is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda (see note). You want the soup to taste balanced and delicious. Serve the soup with a decorative drizzle of cream.
Soup can become acidic due to a variety of factors such as using acidic ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon juice, overcooking certain vegetables, or adding too much of ingredients like wine or citrus. It can also be caused by fermentation or spoilage of soup over time.
You don't need to worry about removing the seeds if you're making a soup or sauce. The seeds will actually add an extra dimension to your dish and if you blend well you won't have to worry about them getting stuck in your teeth. It's a different story if you're making a salad, salsa, omelette or casserole.
What tomatoes are best for homemade tomato soup? I like to use plum or roma tomatoes for homemade tomato soup because they have the best flavor when roasted. I recommend using garden fresh or organic to keep the soup as flavorful as possible!
If you can skin and seed your tomatoes before making the soup you don't have to strain it. But this is time consuming and I found it just easier to strain. Put all the strained soup back in the pot and add the salt and sugar to taste.
Great tomato flavor is all about balancing acidity and sweetness. Too much of either can leave you with asauce that tastes one-dimensional. Many sources recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to a sauce that's overly tart, which raises the pH and makes it less acidic. We've always preferred adding a bit of sugar.
Baking soda will work too, but may add a bitter taste if you use too much. So if you must use it, start with ⅛ tsp or a pinch of it in a very small amount of water to dissolve. Stir it in well then taste it. Add another pinch if it's still too acidic for you.
Gardeners will want to keep a little baking soda on hand when they're putting in their tomato plants in spring because sprinkling some of this ingredient into the soil can prevent certain kinds of produce from tasting dull and gives your tomatoes a boost of sweetness come harvest time.
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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