Sunday Slow Simmered Tomato Soup

Name: Sunday Slow Simmered Tomato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Sunday Slow Simmered Tomato Soup when the weather starts to cool down. There's something truly comforting about a warm bowl of rich tomato flavor, especially when it brings the family together at the table. Using fresh ingredients and letting them simmer slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that a quick soup just can't match. This recipe turns a simple dish into a memorable experience, perfect for cozy weekends or serving to friends on chilly evenings.

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-06T09:52:09.884Z

Making Sunday Slow Simmered Tomato Soup has become a cherished ritual in our home. I've experimented with various methods over the years, and I find that the long, leisurely simmer is key to bringing out the sweetness of the tomatoes. One particular batch, where I added a hint of basil towards the end, really elevated the flavors, making it a new favorite.

What I love about this soup is that it's easy to customize. If you're looking for a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor profile. It’s the little tweaks that can turn a simple soup into something extraordinary!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and hearty flavor that warms the soul
Simple ingredients that are easy to find
Versatile and can be customized to your preference

      

The Importance of Slowly Simmering

Slow simmering is the key to developing the rich, complex flavors in this tomato soup. By allowing the ingredients to meld together over a prolonged period, the natural sugars and acids in the tomatoes are balanced out, resulting in a sweeter, more nuanced taste. Aim to keep your heat on low after reaching a boil; this gentle cooking method prevents the soup from burning and creating unwanted bitterness.

While the soup is simmering, take the time to stir occasionally. This not only ensures that ingredients don't settle at the bottom but also helps thicken the soup. After two hours, you'll notice the consistency has deepened and the flavors have intensified, achieving that comforting, velvety texture that makes every spoonful gratifying.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

If you're looking for a variation of this tomato soup, consider using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Use about 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes for a fresh twist—just blanch, peel, and chop them before adding them to the pot. Additionally, substituting vegetable broth with chicken broth will provide a richer flavor for non-vegetarians, but be mindful to re-adjust the seasoning as chicken broth tends to be saltier.

For those wanting a creamy texture, a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk stirred in at the end can elevate the soup further. If you're aiming to add some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can create a delightful kick without overwhelming the classic tomato flavor.

Enhancing the Presentation

Serving your soup with garnishes can elevate not just the flavor but also the visual appeal. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a burst of freshness, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top creates an inviting sheen. For added texture, consider including croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese; both bring additional flavor dimensions that complement the smoothness of the soup.

Another delightful serving suggestion is to pair the soup with a crusty baguette or grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of warm bread and rich tomato soup makes for a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for sharing. If preparing ahead, keep croutons separate until serving to maintain their crispness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Gather these fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious tomato soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Slow Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Blend and Serve

After simmering, use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. Adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Your delicious Sunday Slow Simmered Tomato Soup is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the pot. This can create a deep, rich flavor profile that takes the soup to the next level.

Storing and Freezing

This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully.

For freezing, allow the soup to cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion; this is particularly important when using glass containers. The soup can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before warming it on the stove.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your soup tastes too acidic, adding an extra tablespoon of sugar can help mellow out the sharpness. Alternatively, a splash of cream or a drizzle of honey can counterbalance the acidity effectively, making the flavors more harmonious. Always taste as you go—small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Should your soup end up too thick, simply add a bit more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually to ensure you achieve the perfect texture. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some moisture to evaporate—this will help thicken it up beautifully.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're cooking for a crowd or want to batch cook, this tomato soup recipe can easily be scaled. Simply double or triple the quantity of each ingredient and increase the cooking pot size accordingly. Just keep in mind that while the simmering time may remain the same, larger quantities can take a bit longer to reach the boiling point.

When scaling up, you might want to adjust the seasoning more cautiously. Start with the original amounts and taste as you go, especially with the herbs and salt, as their flavors can become more pronounced in larger volumes. This method ensures you still maintain a balanced flavor profile in your larger batch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop them. You may need to add more broth for the right consistency.

→ How long can I store the soup?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Just use vegetable broth and ensure any added ingredients like cheese or croutons are vegan-friendly.