If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavor, this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. Imagine a velvety tomato base, lovingly simmered with aromatic herbs and the subtle sweetness of perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that feels both homey and special. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight meal yet satisfying enough to please every member of the family. Whether you’re new to making soups or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings a delightful balance of bright, rich, and cozy all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe plays an important role, carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture while keeping the dish straightforward and easy. These essentials combine to create a soup that’s not only delicious but also beautifully vibrant and hearty.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds luscious richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a savory punch and aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The vibrant, tangy base of the soup delivering bold tomato flavor.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light yet full-bodied without overpowering the tomato.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Adds comforting heartiness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses the soup with a fragrant herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity in the tomatoes for a harmonious flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch just before serving.
How to Make Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Warm up your base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step prepares your pan to gently coax out the sweetness from your onions and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute, until fragrant but not browned. This layer sets the foundational flavor that will carry through the soup.
Step 3: Combine tomatoes and broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to unify them. The bright acidity of the tomatoes combined with the savory broth creates the heart of this soup’s body and taste.
Step 4: Season and sweeten
Sprinkle in dried basil, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. These seasonings balance the tomatoes’ natural tartness and infuse the soup with herbal warmth, making the flavors sing in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Simmer to perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking lets the flavors deeply meld and the texture to thicken just right.
Step 6: Add the rice
Stir in your cooked white rice and allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes. The rice absorbs some of the tomato essence, making each bite comforting and flavorful.
Step 7: Final taste and serve
Give your soup one last taste check to adjust salt or pepper as needed. Then ladle it up, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bright, slightly peppery finish.
How to Serve Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t the only way to dress up this soup. You could also add a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to introduce a creamy texture and a salty contrast. Crispy croutons or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting crunch or subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Rice Soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort combo. The soup’s rich and tangy profile balances nicely with crunchy or creamy sides to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic feel. Alternatively, create a layered platter with the soup in a pretty bowl alongside individual ramekins of garnishes and sides for a personalized dining experience. Presentation can turn a simple Tomato Rice Soup Recipe into a memorable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Rice Soup keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture of the rice intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup looks too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to the perfect spoonable consistency.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but keep in mind it has a firmer texture and takes longer to cook. Using pre-cooked brown rice is best for ease and to maintain the right soup consistency.
Is this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it’s completely vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and omit any dairy garnishes. The simple ingredients create a flavorful, plant-based meal everyone can enjoy.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the rice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cooked rice just before serving.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by design but easy to spice up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering step or top servings with hot sauce to taste.
What can I substitute for crushed tomatoes?
If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, whole peeled tomatoes gently crushed by hand or using a food processor work well. Just be sure to maintain the volume, so the soup stays balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Rice Soup Recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, and I know it will in yours, too. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home with every spoonful—simple, nourishing, and utterly delicious. So grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Tomato Rice Soup made with crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make soup combines the heartiness of cooked white rice with a rich tomato base, enhanced by savory sautéed onions and garlic. Perfect as a light meal or starter, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrance.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Season the soup: Stir in dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavor.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add rice: Stir in the cooked white rice and continue heating the soup for another 5 minutes so the rice warms through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated; the flavors deepen over time.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Use gluten-free vegetable broth to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly as is, just confirm broth choice.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of dried basil for a brighter herb flavor.
