Best Tomato Soup Homemade (Print-Friendly Version)

Velvety tomato soup boasts three tomato forms, caramelized vegetables, and a touch of basil for rich, balanced flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced (about 120 grams)
02 - 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 100 grams)
03 - 1/2 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced (about 100 grams)

→ Tomatoes

04 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
05 - 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, 800 grams each, including juices
06 - 360 millilitres tomato juice

→ Dairy

07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 120 millilitres heavy cream, plus extra for drizzling

→ Seasonings and Aromatics

09 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
11 - 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

→ Finish

12 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large pot over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add celery, fennel, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and translucent, 7 to 8 minutes.
02 - Incorporate tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until paste is darkened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Add whole peeled tomatoes with juices, tomato juice, and light brown sugar. Bring to a simmer. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently break down tomatoes into large pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
04 - Transfer half the tomato mixture to a standard blender; blend until smooth. Repeat with remaining mixture, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot until fully pureed.
05 - Return the soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, just until warmed through; do not allow to boil. Season with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with additional cream and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop for optimal flavour and texture.