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Two cups of vegetarian cream of tomato soup.

Vegetarian Cream of Tomato Soup

Rich and velvety smooth vegetarian cream of tomato soup is the definition of comfort food—perfect on its own or paired with melty grilled cheese.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 299

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced or minced
  • 24 ounces tomatoes pureed or strained
  • 1 cup heavy cream plus more if needed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. In a heavy bottomed soup pot, warm the 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Lower the heat and add the 4 cloves garlic, stirring and cooking for a few minutes until golden brown.
  2. Add the 24 ounces tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, then simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and using an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a blender, puree the soup until the garlic is fully incorporated and the soup is very smooth.
  3. Return the soup to the stove, stir in the 1 cup heavy cream, then simmer on low heat until heated through. You can add a little more cream or milk if you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Notes

  • Simmer for the Best Flavor – Let the soup cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. If you have extra time, simmer for up to 30 minutes for an even deeper flavor.
  • Balance the Acidity – Tomatoes are naturally acidic, so adding a teaspoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup helps mellow the soup.
  • Don’t Boil the Cream – When adding the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low and stir it in gently. Boiling can cause it to separate.
  • Adjust the Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce. For a thinner soup, add a splash of extra milk or cream.
  • Make It Extra Smooth – Tomato purée already makes this soup smooth, but for an ultra-velvety texture, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
  • Enhance the Flavor – Stir in a little balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweet-smoky depth.
  • Garnish: Scattering pumpkin seeds or pine nuts atop each bowl adds crunch. Or, swirl in a little sour cream to each bowl when serving and drizzle the surface with olive oil. I also like to add a spoonful of parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch.