5 Ingredient Tomato Soup

There’s something magical about a bowl of tomato soup, especially when it’s made with only five simple ingredients. This version is smooth, rich, and deeply comforting, with every spoonful warming you from the inside out. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a quick homemade lunch, this tomato soup delivers all the goodness without the fuss. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic mingling with simmering tomatoes is pure comfort in a pot. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.

Behind the Recipe

This tomato soup was born out of one of those “there’s nothing in the fridge” moments. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, it came together like a warm hug in a bowl. I’ve made this soup so many times, it’s become one of those go-to recipes I can whip up without thinking. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the simplest meals always tasted like the most special.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Tomato soup has humble roots but a rich history. It became especially popular in America in the late 19th century, thanks in part to canned tomatoes and mass production methods. It’s often associated with comfort food classics, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. While variations exist around the world, this minimal-ingredient version hones in on the purity of tomato flavor, much like traditional Italian passata-based soups.

Why You’ll Love 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup

This soup isn’t just easy. It’s irresistibly tasty, wildly flexible, and surprisingly rich for such a simple list of ingredients.

Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, with grilled cheese, or as a base for more complex dishes.

Budget-Friendly: Made with five affordable pantry staples, it’s perfect for tight grocery weeks.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make this soup a lifesaver on busy days.

Customizable: Spice it up with chili flakes, stir in cream, or toss in some fresh basil.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s cozy, classic, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps well in advance and tastes even better the next day.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Getting this soup just right is all about coaxing flavor from the basics. Here’s how to make every bowl unforgettable:

1. Roast the garlic and onion first: For deeper flavor, sauté them until golden and fragrant before adding the tomatoes.
2. Use high-quality canned tomatoes: Look for whole peeled San Marzano or Italian-style tomatoes for the richest flavor.
3. Let it simmer long enough: Even with just five ingredients, time helps meld the flavors into something magical.
4. Blend it until ultra-smooth: A silky texture is key. An immersion blender is easiest, but a high-speed blender works wonders too.
5. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil: Just a splash on top before serving gives the soup a luxurious finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

All you need are a few basic tools to bring this comforting soup to life.

Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for sautéing and simmering the soup all in one place.

Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir everything evenly without scratching your pot.

Immersion blender or standard blender: For that smooth, velvety finish.

Measuring cups and spoons: Even simple recipes benefit from accurate measurements.

Ladle: To serve up those steaming bowls with ease.

Ingredients in 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup

It’s amazing how much flavor you can coax out of just five everyday ingredients. Here’s how they work together.

1. Canned Whole Tomatoes: 2 cans (28 oz each) — These are the base of the soup, offering rich, deep tomato flavor.
2. Yellow Onion: 1 large, chopped — Adds sweetness and body to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
3. Garlic Cloves: 4, minced — Brings warmth and depth, giving the soup a cozy, savory kick.
4. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons — Used for sautéing and finishing, it rounds out the flavors with a smooth richness.
5. Vegetable Broth: 2 cups — Helps thin the soup to the perfect consistency while adding subtle savory notes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you’ve got to work with what’s on hand. Here are a few smart swaps that still keep the flavor on point.

Canned Whole Tomatoes: Crushed or diced canned tomatoes will work in a pinch.

Yellow Onion: Use white onion or shallots for a slightly different sweetness.

Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) can substitute in a hurry.

Olive Oil: Any neutral oil like avocado or sunflower oil can be used.

Vegetable Broth: Water with a bouillon cube or chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian.

Ingredient Spotlight

Canned Whole Tomatoes: These beauties are picked at peak ripeness and canned with minimal processing. They hold more flavor and texture than crushed or diced versions, making them perfect for rich, smooth soups.

Olive Oil: More than just a cooking fat, good olive oil adds peppery, fruity notes that elevate the entire dish.

Instructions for Making 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup

Making this soup is like slipping into your favorite hoodie — comforting, familiar, and totally satisfying. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Warm a large pot over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add olive oil, then sauté chopped onion for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Once the aromatics are ready, pour in the canned tomatoes (including juices) and vegetable broth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Stir everything together, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or carefully in batches with a countertop blender. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle into bowls, drizzle with extra olive oil, and top with cracked pepper or herbs if desired.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This soup is all about balance. The tomatoes give it brightness and a slight tang, while the slow-cooked onions and garlic bring in sweet, earthy notes. Blending it creates that luscious, velvety texture that hugs your spoon, and the olive oil adds silkiness and depth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

There’s always a little extra magic you can add to make this soup even more special:

• Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.
• Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
• Toasted croutons or grilled cheese cubes make fun toppings.

What to Avoid

Even simple recipes need a little care. Here are some easy fixes for common mistakes:

• Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic — it’s where the flavor begins.
• Avoid using watery tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes work best.
• Don’t under-blend — the texture should be completely smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup gets even better after a day in the fridge. You can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove and stir well before serving.

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup

A classic pairing is a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, but it’s also amazing with:

• Crusty sourdough bread
• A swirl of cream or yogurt on top
• Fresh basil and parmesan shavings
• Garlic toast for dipping

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use extra soup in clever new ways:

• As a pasta sauce with penne or ravioli
• Mixed with rice and veggies for a quick risotto-style dish
• As a base for tomato-based curry or stew

Additional Tips

To boost flavor even more:

• Add a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary while it simmers (just remove before blending)
• Try roasting the tomatoes first for a smoky edge
• Use cold olive oil when blending for an ultra-smooth texture

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes all the difference. Serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls, drizzle olive oil in a swirl, and sprinkle with cracked pepper or microgreens for a gourmet finish. Add a grilled cheese triangle on the rim for that nostalgic touch.

Variations to Try

• Creamy Tomato Basil: Stir in cream and chopped fresh basil.
• Spicy Tomato Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Smoky Paprika Version: Use smoked paprika while sautéing the onions.
• Chunky Style: Skip blending for a more rustic, hearty version.
• Roasted Veggie Mix-In: Add roasted red peppers or carrots before blending.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this soup without a blender?

Yes, just use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or strain it for a rustic feel.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

3. Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth.

4. What kind of tomatoes work best?

Whole peeled canned tomatoes offer the richest flavor and best texture.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but they should be very ripe. Roast them first for deeper flavor.

6. How do I reduce the acidity?

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the flavors.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a bigger pot and double all ingredients.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free.

9. Can I use chicken broth?

Sure, if you’re not vegetarian, it works just as well.

10. What toppings go well with this soup?

Croutons, parmesan, basil, sour cream, or grilled cheese cubes are all great.

Conclusion

This 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup proves that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s rich, velvety, and filled with flavor that feels homemade in the best way. So the next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious, just grab these five ingredients and let your kitchen do the rest. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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