This Quick Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting homemade classic with a smooth texture, rich tomato flavour and a delicate blend of herbs and seasonings. Made with canned or fresh tomatoes, onion, celery, sweet basil and Worcestershire sauce, it develops a delicious savoury base that is both warming and satisfying.
A little butter and flour help thicken the soup, while cream adds a velvety finish. A splash of dry red wine brings extra depth, balancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes with a subtle richness.
Serve this creamy tomato soup with garlic bread, a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad for an easy lunch or light dinner. It is also an excellent starter for a family meal.
6 cups canned tomatoes or very ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 chicken stock cube dissolved in 2 cups of hot water
¾ cup celery, finely chopped, including the leaves
¾ cup onion, finely chopped
½ tsp paprika
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tbsp butter
⅓ cup dry red wine, optional
2 tbsp sugar, or to taste
6 tbsp flour
⅓ cup cream
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp dried sweet basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Method:
Prepare the vegetables:
Chop the tomatoes, celery and onion into small pieces.
If using fresh tomatoes, remove any damaged areas before chopping.
Cook the tomato mixture:
Place the tomatoes, onion, celery and prepared chicken stock in a large saucepan.
Stir to combine.
Add the seasonings:
Mix in the sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, basil, garlic salt and a little black pepper.
Add salt cautiously because the stock cube and garlic salt may already contain plenty.
Simmer until tender:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat.
Simmer uncovered for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the flavours have developed.
Blend or strain the soup:
For a smooth finish, carefully blend the hot mixture until smooth, working in batches if necessary and following your blender’s instructions for hot liquids.
Alternatively, press it through a sieve for a traditional silky texture.
Make the butter and flour base:
In a clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste without browning it too much.
Add the tomato purée:
Gradually whisk the strained or blended tomato mixture into the butter and flour mixture.
Add it a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Thicken the soup:
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring regularly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Add the wine and cream:
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the red wine, if using, and the cream.
Heat gently until warmed through, but avoid boiling vigorously after adding the cream.
Taste and serve:
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper or sugar if needed.
Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a swirl of cream, if desired.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful soup! 😊
This quick creamy tomato soup is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup
Rich tomato flavour: Tomatoes, celery and onion create a delicious savoury base.
Smooth and creamy: The butter, flour and cream give the soup a satisfying, velvety texture.
Easy to customise: Adjust the seasoning, sweetness and herbs to suit your taste.
Perfect for lunch or dinner: Serve it on its own or with your favourite sandwich or bread.
Flexible ingredients: Canned tomatoes work well when fresh, ripe tomatoes are unavailable.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Soup
Choose ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes offer a naturally sweet flavour. Good-quality canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative.
Cook the vegetables thoroughly: Allow the tomatoes, onion and celery to soften before blending. This helps create a smoother soup with a more developed flavour.
Blend carefully: Hot liquids can release steam and create pressure in a blender. Allow the mixture to cool slightly if needed, work in small batches and follow the appliance’s instructions.
Whisk the flour mixture well: Cook the flour briefly in the melted butter, then add the tomato purée gradually to avoid lumps.
Balance the acidity: Taste the soup before adding all the sugar. Depending on the tomatoes, you may need less than the stated amount.
Add cream over low heat: Gentle heating helps keep the soup smooth and reduces the risk of curdling.
Use the wine as an option: The red wine adds depth, but the soup is still delicious without it. You can use a little extra stock instead.
Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a splash of stock or water. If it is too thin, simmer gently before adding the cream.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool slightly and transfer it to shallow, airtight containers. Refrigerate within two hours and use within 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the soup in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality. For the best texture, you can freeze it before adding the cream and stir the cream in after reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly. Avoid vigorous boiling, especially after adding the cream. Add a little stock or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at intervals until steaming hot throughout.
This creamy tomato soup is absolutely comforting! Here are some delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with it:
Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic combination of toasted bread and melted cheese.
Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato soup.
Fresh garden salad: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
Quiche: A slice of vegetable or cheese quiche turns the soup into a more substantial meal.
Crusty bread rolls: Ideal for soaking up every last spoonful.
Soft Dinner Rolls: Fluffy homemade rolls complement the soup beautifully.
Homemade Pizza: Serve a small bowl of soup alongside pizza for a comforting meal.
Here are some fun variations to experiment with for your Quick Creamy Tomato Soup recipe:
Variations
Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil before adding them to the saucepan for a deeper, sweeter flavour.
Spicy Tomato Soup: Add chilli flakes, cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce for extra heat.
Cheesy Tomato Soup: Stir in a small handful of grated Parmesan or mature cheddar over low heat until melted.
Fresh Herb Tomato Soup: Replace or supplement the dried basil with fresh basil, oregano or thyme. Add delicate fresh herbs near the end of cooking.
Carrot and Tomato Soup: Add one or two chopped carrots to the vegetables while simmering. Blend until smooth for extra sweetness and body.
Coconut Tomato Soup: Replace the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free variation. Check that the stock and Worcestershire sauce are also suitable for your dietary needs.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup: Add roasted red peppers before blending for a sweeter, more complex flavour.
Garlic Tomato Soup: Sauté one or two crushed garlic cloves with the onion before adding the tomatoes and stock.
Playing around with flavors could make it even more exciting. Which variation speaks to you most? 🍅✨
Final Thoughts
Quick Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting homemade favourite that combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with savoury herbs, a smooth texture and a creamy finish. It is simple enough for an everyday lunch yet delicious enough to serve as a starter for a special family meal.
Pair it with toasted sandwiches, garlic bread or soft dinner rolls, and adjust the herbs and seasonings to make the recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Canned tomatoes are convenient and provide reliable flavour throughout the year. Choose chopped or whole peeled tomatoes, then blend them with the cooked vegetables.
Why does my tomato soup taste too acidic?
The acidity depends on the tomatoes. Add a little sugar gradually, or stir in a small amount of extra cream to soften the sharpness. Avoid adding too much sugar at once.
Can I make tomato soup without cream?
Yes. You can omit the cream or replace it with an unsweetened plant-based alternative. The soup may be slightly less rich, but it will still be flavourful.
Do I have to strain the soup?
No. Blending the soup is an easy way to achieve a smooth texture while retaining more of the vegetables. Straining is optional if you prefer a particularly silky finish.
Can I leave out the red wine?
Absolutely. The wine adds depth, but it is not essential. Replace it with a little extra stock if desired.
How can I make the soup thicker?
The butter and flour help thicken the soup. You can also simmer it uncovered for a few minutes before adding the cream, allowing excess liquid to evaporate.
