Creating Tomato Soup from Tomato Sauce

Tomato soup is a classic, comforting dish that warms the soul. While it’s easy to go to the store and grab a can of tomato soup off the shelf, there’s nothing quite like making it from scratch. Now, imagine creating a delicious tomato soup using tomato sauce as a base. It may sound unusual, but with a few simple steps, you can transform tomato sauce into a rich and flavorful tomato soup.

Before we dive into the process, let’s understand the distinction between tomato sauce and tomato soup. Tomato sauce is a concentrated form of tomatoes that usually contains seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices. On the other hand, tomato soup is a blend of tomato-based liquids, typically with added ingredients like broth, cream, or spices.

To make tomato soup from tomato sauce, you’ll need a few additional ingredients to enhance the taste and texture. Gather your ingredients which include tomato sauce, vegetable or chicken broth, onions, garlic, butter, fresh herbs (such as basil and thyme), heavy cream (optional), salt, and pepper.

Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. This step helps to develop the base flavor of your tomato soup and adds a touch of sweetness.

Next, mince a few cloves of garlic and add them to the saucepan with the onions. Saute the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.

Now it’s time to incorporate the star ingredient – the tomato sauce. Pour the tomato sauce into the saucepan and stir it well with the onions and garlic. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper along with any desired herbs or seasonings. The herbs will infuse the soup with a delightful aroma while the spices will deepen the flavor.

After incorporating the tomato sauce, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth to thin out the mixture and create a soup-like consistency. Stir the soup well and let it simmer on low heat for around 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

If you prefer a creamier tomato soup, add a splash of heavy cream at this stage. However, this step is entirely optional, and the soup will still be delicious without it.

Once the soup has simmered and thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and velvety in texture. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid burns.

Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, a warm crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own.

Creating tomato soup from tomato sauce is a quick and simple process that yields incredibly delicious results. By infusing the sauce with onions, garlic, and spices, you elevate the flavors, making each spoonful burst with rich and comforting tomato goodness. So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of tomato soup, grab a can of tomato sauce and let your culinary creativity shine.