Healthy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup is a great classic soup and as a classic commercial taught us, it's mmm mmm good - unless it includes unhealthy ingredients you don't want in your diet. If you keep canned or boxed soups in your pantry for meals in a pinch, try this easy, healthy homemade tomato soup recipe. Freeze extra soup and kick the can to the curb. You probably have everything in your pantry.

Healthy Homemade Tomato Soup

This is the best tomato soup recipe and so easy to make with ingredients you probably have in your pantry. Enjoy it pureed smooth or serve it chunky. Why make homemade tomato soup?

Because most canned tomato soup has a not-so-good list of ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup, high levels of sodium, and preservatives you don't want. Some store brands may include wheat flour, which is an issue if you eat gluten-free, grain-free, or paleo.

Pantry Ingredients for Homemade Tomato Soup

You probably have these ingredients in your pantry:

• Canned tomatoes
• Onions
• Broth
• Herbs and spices

For tomatoes, I use organic, fire-roasted style for their smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes are fine.

Tomato Soup Broth Options

For broth, I use frozen homemade chicken broth. Turkey broth or vegetable broth work just as well. Using vegetable broth makes this soup vegan. Use your favorite low sodium canned or boxed brand if you don't have homemade.

For vegetable broth, only homemade will do, because the canned and boxed brands taste awful. Homemade vegetable broth is easy quick to make. Check out my recipe. With an Instant Pot it takes just minutes. Without an Instant Pot, simmer for about an hour, then strain, cool and freeze.

Tomato Soup with a Twist: Southwestern Style

For a twist on the classic flavor I like to add a little ground cumin and smoked paprika. If you like things spicy, add a pinch or two of ground chipotle pepper, which is dried and smoked jalapeño peppers. These spices give the soup a Southwestern flavor. If regular paprika is all you have, use that.

Safety Tips on Pureeing Hot Soup

Blenders perform best for pureeing soups. As soup is hot, fill the blender container no more than half full. Split the blending into two batches and don't try to puree it all at once. Place a folded kitchen towel over the top of the lid to be safe. Start on a low speed and build up to high. Another option is to serve the soup chunky and skip the puree step.

For Creamy Tomato Soup

For a creamy style tomato soup, add a little canned coconut milk (for dairy-free) or half and half when pureeing. It's fantastic, making it more of a tomato bisque or creamy tomato soup.

I couldn't finish this post without mentioning the classic pairing - tomato soup and grilled cheese. Just as my mom served it. It's so good!

Original post 11/16/2009