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.
- Adding baking soda to tomato soup and tomato sauces helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Tomato flavors really shine, and your sauce or soup will not curdle if you add milk. - Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato sauce or soup will make flavors sparkle and become less acidic.
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.
Leaf states that this can be due to burning the sauce in the pot or simply dealing with a batch of produce that are overly acidic or metallic from canning or cooking. This can also come from under-ripe or low-quality tomatoes, as well as stirring in a hefty amount of tomato paste, per Boss The Kitchen.
You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.
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.
Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes, or even wine can cause your milk to curdle. Prevent this reaction by reducing your acids first before adding dairy. Remember this tip when making creamy adobo, tomato soup, or a citrusy cream-based pasta.
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.
Most tomato sauce recipes are based on canned tomatoes, and canning companies carefully regulate the pH level of their products. So, the need to add sugar to tomato sauce is declining, but there may still be exceptions. It's best to make your sauce without sugar at first, then taste it and add a pinch if necessary.
If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.
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 your tomatoes are not ripe or lacking in flavor, it can result in a less vibrant soup. Store-bought brands may use tomatoes processed at their peak ripeness. Seasoning: Homemade soups often require proper seasoning with salt, pepper, and other.
This addition helps make the soup feel more comforting. Adding milk or cream to a soup can balance contrasting tastes and help ingredients that don't typically mesh blend seamlessly. Plus, the extra calories in milk or cream can make for a more filling soup served solo and without any accompanying sides.
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.
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 Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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