Name: Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; Optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or generous pinch dried thyme); Kosher salt, to season (about 1 teaspoon initially, plus more to taste); Ground black pepper, to taste; One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable stock or broth; Optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine; 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.); Additional cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves for garnish; Crusty bread or Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavors that brighten even the coldest days, this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is the answer. It’s a luscious blend of tender, simmered vegetables and herbs, enriched with a velvety swirl of cream that transforms humble canned tomatoes into a luxurious bowl of warmth. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or serving up a family meal, this soup delivers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness, aromatic herbs, and smooth creaminess that never disappoints.

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in crafting that full-bodied, rich taste and silky texture. From the sweetness of carrots to the fresh punch of basil, each component brings something special to the pot.

Olive oil: The foundation for sauteing, bringing a fragrant fruitiness to the soup’s base.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened gently.
Carrots: Provide subtle earthiness and a hint of natural sugar to balance the tomatoes.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a touch of punch that enlivens every spoonful.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps build rich umami notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just enough heat for a gentle kick without overpowering.
Fresh basil leaves: Impart brightness and herbaceous tones that feel like sunshine in winter.
Fresh thyme leaves: Earthy and slightly minty, these lift the soup’s complexity subtly.
Crushed tomatoes (canned): The star ingredient, providing body and tangy tomato goodness.
Vegetable broth: Enhances the soup’s savory base and keeps it light yet flavorful.
Dry, unoaked white wine (optional): Adds acidity and depth, perfectly balancing the tomatoes.
Cream or milk (or plant milk): Creates that luscious, velvety finish that makes this soup so comforting.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together beautifully.

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and carrots, seasoning them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Let them soften and become fragrant, which usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes—this step lays the flavor foundation. Then, stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Cooking these together for a couple more minutes allows the tomato paste to brown slightly and the garlic’s aroma to bloom, creating that irresistible base for your soup.

Step 2: Build and Simmer

At this stage, it’s time to add the fresh herbs and the heart of the soup: the canned crushed tomatoes. Pour in your vegetable broth and optional white wine, stirring everything so the flavors meld. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat so the soup simmers gently. Cover it partially and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften fully and all the flavors to deepen. This simmering infuses the broth with herbal notes and integrates the sweetness of the carrots with the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy

This is the magic moment when your soup transforms from chunky to a silky dream. Carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a blender, blending until velvety smooth. If you prefer to keep it simple, an immersion blender works wonders right in the pot—just blend until the texture is just right. This process breaks down any remaining chunks and gives your soup that luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Finish with Creaminess

Return your blended soup to the pot, then stir in your choice of cream, milk, or plant-based milk to add richness and balance out the acidity. Warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Now your Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is ready to bring that comforting hug in a bowl to the table.

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes)

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes takes this soup from lovely to absolutely memorable. Crack fresh black pepper over the top for a mild sharpness, sprinkle a few crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of warmth, and nestle in some fresh basil leaves to echo the herbal freshness inside. These touches bring texture, visual appeal, and bursts of flavor that make each spoonful a delight.

Side Dishes

Serving this soup alongside a crusty piece of bread is a classic choice—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. If you want to indulge a little, a Gooey Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich pairs incredibly well, its melty cheesiness complementing the creamy tomato body beautifully. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try pouring the soup into small, rustic mugs for a cozy serving style, perfect for a casual gathering or lunch. Swirl a tiny drizzle of pesto or a splash of balsamic glaze on top to add visual interest and an extra layer of flavor. Another fun idea is to offer an array of toppings like toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. Before reheating, give the soup a good stir to reincorporate any settled cream or spices so every spoonful is consistently delicious.

Freezing

Freezing Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) is a fantastic way to save some for later. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace since the soup will expand as it freezes. For best texture, consider adding the cream or milk after thawing when reheating, as dairy can sometimes separate during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup feels too thick after reheating, simply whisk in a splash of broth, water, or milk to reach your desired consistency. This keeps the soup luscious and smooth, just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for the soup?

Absolutely! While canned crushed tomatoes offer convenience and consistent flavor especially in winter, using ripe fresh tomatoes can give your soup a brighter, slightly fresher taste. Just be prepared for a little extra prep time, and you may need to cook your fresh tomatoes longer to achieve that tender, saucy texture.

What’s the best milk or cream substitute for a dairy-free version?

Unsweetened plant milks like almond, oat, or cashew milk work wonderfully here. Oat milk tends to bring a nice creaminess, while almond milk offers a lighter feel. Just avoid sweetened or flavored versions so the soup stays savory and balanced.

Can this soup be made spicy?

Yes! The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little zip, but you can increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your soup with more heat. Just add cautiously and taste as you go to keep the flavors harmonious.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Start by sauteing the aromatics on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Blend and add cream just before serving for the best texture.

How do I ensure the soup stays creamy and not watery?

The key is using enough tomato paste and cooking down the crushed tomatoes properly during simmering to concentrate the flavors and body. Adding cream at the end enriches the texture. If it feels thin after blending, simmer a bit longer uncovered to thicken before adding the cream.

Final Thoughts

This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) truly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s wonderfully simple to make but delivers impressive depth and comfort in every spoonful. Whether you enjoy it as a quick meal or share it with loved ones, I can’t recommend this recipe enough for lifting spirits when the weather is gray. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll discover how canned tomatoes, transformed with love and a few fresh ingredients, become something extraordinary!

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and comforting Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup made using canned tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream for warmth and smoothness. This easy recipe incorporates aromatic vegetables, garlic, and optional white wine for depth, resulting in a velvety, flavorful soup perfect for chilly days.

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until hot. Add the diced onion and carrots, seasoning with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly, about 5-6 minutes. Then stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes if used, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste browns slightly and the garlic releases its fragrance.
Build and Simmer: Add the fresh basil, thyme, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and optional white wine to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are completely tender and flavors meld.
Blend: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender, filling it no more than two-thirds full. Remove the center cap from the blender lid and cover the opening with a thick kitchen towel to prevent splatters. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return the soup to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth.
Finish the Creamy Tomato Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, or plant milk of choice. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with cracked black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a gooey mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich for a perfect comforting meal. Enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, use heavy cream; for a lighter version, substitute with milk or unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
The optional white wine adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried thyme can be used; however, fresh basil is recommended for best flavor.
Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or leaving them out entirely.
To make this soup vegan, use plant-based milk and ensure the vegetable broth is vegan.
For a smoother texture, strain the soup after blending if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Blending
Cuisine: American