Canned Tomato Soup Recipe

Canned tomatoes: These are the base of the soup, providing a rich, tomato flavor. Look for whole or diced varieties.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor.

Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and helps to thin the soup to the desired consistency.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness.

Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.

When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to cook them until they are translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to develop a deeper flavor base for the soup. Additionally, when using an immersion blender, ensure that the soup is not too hot to avoid splattering. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be sure to leave some space for the steam to escape to prevent any accidents.

• cans tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Use about 10-12 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, chopped. Fresh tomatoes will provide a more vibrant flavor and can be easily pureed to match the consistency of canned tomatoes.

• cans tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Use 4 cups of tomato sauce. This will give a smoother texture and a more concentrated tomato flavor.

• onion - Substitute with leek: Use 1 large leek, finely chopped. Leeks have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Use 3-4 shallots, finely chopped. Shallots provide a more delicate and slightly sweeter taste compared to onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Garlic powder is a convenient alternative that still imparts a similar flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with roasted garlic: Use 2 teaspoons of roasted garlic. Roasted garlic has a sweeter and more mellow flavor compared to raw garlic.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Use 2 cups of vegetable broth. This makes the soup vegetarian-friendly and still provides a rich flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Use 2 cups of beef broth. This will give the soup a deeper, more robust flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Use 1 tablespoon of butter. Butter adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the soup.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of coconut flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Use 1 teaspoon of honey. Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Use 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• Allow the tomato soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For best results, use containers that are specifically designed for freezing, as they help maintain the soup's quality.
• If you prefer using zip-top freezer bags, lay them flat on a baking sheet until they are fully frozen. This method saves space and makes it easier to stack multiple bags.
• Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This ensures you can keep track of how long the soup has been stored and avoid any mystery meals.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is the best option.
• When freezing, the soup can be stored for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, the flavor and texture may begin to degrade.
• To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Alternatively, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually appealing element to your dish.

• stovetop method: pour the leftover canned tomato soup into a saucepan. heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. once the soup is hot and steaming, it's ready to serve. this method helps maintain the soup's original texture and flavor.

• microwave method: transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. cover with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters. heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir. continue heating in 30-second intervals until the soup is hot throughout. be cautious as microwaving can sometimes create hot spots.

• slow cooker method: pour the leftover soup into a slow cooker. set it to low heat and let it warm up for about 1-2 hours. this method is ideal if you're not in a rush and want to keep the soup warm for an extended period.

• double boiler method: place the soup in a heatproof bowl. set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. this gentle method helps prevent the soup from scorching.

• oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot. this method is useful if you're reheating a large quantity of soup.

• Large pot: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the soup ingredients together.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onions and garlic as they sauté, and for mixing the soup as it simmers.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil and sugar accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth.

• Immersion blender: Used to puree the soup until smooth.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Soup bowls: For serving the finished soup.

• Basil: Optional garnish to add a fresh touch to the soup.

Use pre-chopped onions: Save time by using pre-chopped onions from the store.

Minced garlic in a jar: Opt for jarred minced garlic to skip peeling and chopping.

High-speed blender: Use a high-speed blender instead of an immersion blender for quicker results.

Pre-made chicken broth: Use store-bought chicken broth to avoid making it from scratch.

Canned tomatoes with herbs: Choose canned tomatoes that already have herbs and spices to reduce seasoning time.