5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup (2024)

Lisa Appleton

Lisa Appleton

Lisa is a recipe writer at Blue Apron. She was formerly an editor with Better Homes and Gardens branded food magazines. She is an alumna of The Culinary Institute of America and The University of Missouri. She lives in Brooklyn.

published Oct 16, 2016

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5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup (1)

Rich tomato soup is a classic recipe rivaled only by maybe chicken noodle or matzo ball in nostalgia. While you might have a go-to recipe, there are always things you can do to soup to boost the flavor. For tomato soup in particular, here are a few things you can do to make it better every time.

1. Add herbs.

This probably isn’t a surprise, as basil and tomatoes are a delicious duo. But think beyond basil — rosemary and thyme can add earthiness; chives and parsley showered on top add a fresh finish; even freshly chopped mint (maybe with some feta cheese) can add a refreshing pop of flavor to every spoonful.

2. Stir in butter, cream, or coconut milk.

I always like to add a splash of something creamy to my tomato soup; it adds a richness and mouthfeel you’ll never get with tomatoes alone. Cream may be the first thing that comes to mind, but butter and coconut milk can be just as good. A small pat of butter stirred into the pot at the end of cooking can make the smooth soup feel luxurious without being overly indulgent. You might taste a whisper of coconut, but coconut milk can have a very similar effect.

3. Use tomato paste for intensity.

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. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon once you’ve added the tomatoes and any liquid to get all the caramelized brown bits of flavor off the bottom and incorporated into the soup.

4. Use canned tomatoes for consistency.

For the most consistent flavor, it’s best to use canned tomatoes. They’re canned while fresh, which makes them much better options than the mealy tomatoes available during the off season.

5. Don’t forget a drizzle before serving.

This is the last opportunity to add any more flavor to the soup — a drizzle, dollop, or stir-in can change the whole dynamic. If you want a soup that’s extra creamy, stir in crème fraîche, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. A spoonful of pesto adds herbs, garlic, cheese, and sometimes a nutty element. Even a dash of balsamic vinegar can add a sweet and tart moment.

5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup (2024)

FAQs

5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup? ›

Use Herbs and Seasonings

Add chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking to bring out that rich tomato flavor. Turn to your pantry for seasonings like fresh cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning or oregano, stirring them in while the soup is still cooking.

How do you make tomato soup better? ›

Use Herbs and Seasonings

Add chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking to bring out that rich tomato flavor. Turn to your pantry for seasonings like fresh cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning or oregano, stirring them in while the soup is still cooking.

How do I make my tomato soup more tomatoey? ›

1) Cook chopped onion in olive oil until tender, then add tomato paste. Every great soup starts with an onion! Once it's tender, we'll stir in a dollop of tomato paste and let it cook for a couple of minutes. Tomato paste offers deep tomato flavor and adds a lot of intensity to this soup.

Why does tomato soup make you feel better? ›

Some cultures use tomato soup as a home remedy for the common cold. In fact, its vitamin C and carotenoid content may stimulate your immune system ( 3 , 46 ). Research also shows that vitamin C may help prevent the common cold and reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms ( 12 ).

How do you make tomatoes better? ›

But with tomatoes—and especially not-yet-at-their-peak tomatoes—salt has a particularly transformative effect. It's all about the dehydration. When you slice tomatoes, line them in a colander, and sprinkle them generously with salt, they immediately start releasing their moisture.

What tomatoes are best for soup? ›

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!

How to make tomato soup less bland? ›

5 Things We Do for Better Tomato Soup
  1. Add herbs. This probably isn't a surprise, as basil and tomatoes are a delicious duo. ...
  2. Stir in butter, cream, or coconut milk. ...
  3. Use tomato paste for intensity. ...
  4. Use canned tomatoes for consistency. ...
  5. Don't forget a drizzle before serving.
Oct 16, 2016

How to make a tomato soup thicker? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

How do you get the tangy taste out of tomato soup? ›

Baking soda is alkaline, and when added to tomato soup, it can help neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes. A small pinch of baking soda can help balance the pH levels and reduce the overall acidity. This can result in a milder and less tangy flavor, making the soup taste better!

What makes soup so good? ›

Soup is chock full of the micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, needed to nourish your body and support its various processes. Micronutrients are an important part of every person's diet, and consuming enough of them is essential for combatting diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer.

Why is homemade soup better? ›

What are the benefits of homemade soup? Making your own soup takes time, but it gives you complete control over the ingredients and how you prepare them. Homemade soup can also save you money compared to canned soup. Cook a large batch of soup, then freeze small portions for meals that you can heat quickly.

How do you make soup smoother? ›

To achieve a silky-smooth texture, keep the blender running for at least 1 to 2 minutes in order to fully break down the solids. A common mistake is to not run the blender long enough. This results in a grainy-textured soup. The soup should be blended long enough to create a silky-smooth texture.

Is tomato soup good or bad for you? ›

Heart Health Hero: Tomato soup is excellent for heart health. Thanks to its lycopene content, potassium, and fiber, it helps in lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The soup's low saturated fat content also makes it a heart-friendly choice.

Is tomato soup good in taste? ›

Tomato Soup is a classic! Served with toasted croutons or alongside a grilled Cheese Sandwich, it is a very comforting dish that can bring us back to our childhood. With its sweet-yet-tart flavor, it highlights the best of what fresh, ripe tomatoes have to offer.

Why am I craving tomato soup? ›

An insatiable craving for tomatoes or tomato products is known as tomatophagia. Tomatophagia may sometimes be associated with nutritional deficiencies, especially in pregnant women. It may also occur in people with iron deficiency anemia, even though raw tomatoes are low in iron.

Why does my tomato soup taste bland? ›

If the soup tastes bland at all, a bit more salt will do the trick, that doesn't just apply to this tomato soup recipe but just about anything you'll ever find yourself cooking.

What can I add to tomato sauce to make it taste better? ›

13 Ways to Make Any Jarred Pasta Sauce Better
  1. Start with the right pasta and sauce. ...
  2. Season with dried herbs. ...
  3. Or flavor with fresh herb sprigs. ...
  4. Double up on tomato goodness. ...
  5. Add more garlic and/or onions. ...
  6. Sweeten and thicken with squash purée. ...
  7. Punch things up with a pinch of chili flakes. ...
  8. Try this secret ingredient.
Dec 9, 2022

Does tomato soup taste better with water or milk? ›

Is tomato soup better with milk or water? Tomato soup is better with milk because it makes it creamier. You can add water if you have no milk or want to keep dairy-free but it will change the texture.

How do you make store bought soup taste better? ›

Go green: Add some spinach or chopped kale or pesto. Get zesty: A squirt of lemon juice or zest could brighten up an otherwise flat soup. Starchy things: Homemade croutons, crushed tortilla chips, or oyster crackers. Clean out the fridge: got cooked beans or rice, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of heavy cream?

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