Description
This easy tomato soup recipe combines savory bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh carrots with rich crushed tomatoes and aromatic basil, simmered to perfection and blended smooth. Finished with a touch of creamy indulgence, this comforting classic is perfect for a cozy meal and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 bunch fresh basil (divided)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, no substitutes)
Seasoning
- Salt & cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and the fat has rendered out, which will add rich flavor to the base of your soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add the roughly chopped onions, crushed garlic, and peeled chopped carrot to the pot with the bacon. Cook until they begin to soften and caramelize, about 5-8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and Italian seasoning, stirring well to coat the vegetables and develop a subtle nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Submerge a large stalk of basil into the pot for aroma. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Leave the lid off for a thicker soup or on for a thinner consistency.
- Blend: Allow the soup to cool slightly for 5 minutes, then discard the basil stalk. Blend the soup in batches according to your blender’s hot liquid instructions until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream if desired for a creamy texture. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of cream if you like, and enjoy your comforting tomato soup.
Notes
- Use San Marzano canned tomatoes for the best authentic flavor.
- Heavy cream is optional but highly recommended for a richer soup; avoid substitutes for best texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
- Simmer uncovered for thicker soup, or covered for thinner consistency.
- Blending can be done with an immersion blender as an alternative for convenience.
