If you ask me, nothing wraps you in comfort quite like a bowl of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!). It’s one of those timeless recipes that delivers on both nostalgia and nourishment, but this version keeps things wholesome and hearty without any heavy cream. With bright, sun-ripened tomatoes, a hint of dried herbs, and an irresistible creamy finish (thanks to Greek yogurt or light sour cream), this soup is a lighter spin on the classic that never compromises on flavor. Whether you need a cozy lunch, a simple dinner, or that perfect pairing for your favorite grilled cheese, this is the go-to recipe you’ll want to revisit all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose: some build depth and body, others brighten and round out flavors, and together, they create a harmonious, comforting bowl you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful.
- Olive oil: This creates a rich, savory base, giving the onions and garlic just the right amount of sizzle to unlock their sweet aroma.
- Onion: Diced onion mellows and sweetens as it cooks, building foundational flavor into every sip.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic sharpens the overall taste and delivers a little bite—the perfect companion to sweet tomatoes.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: Canned whole tomatoes are packed at peak ripeness, guaranteeing vibrant color and deep tomato flavor all year round.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: This keeps the soup light but deeply savory, making it vegetarian-friendly without overwhelming the tomato essence.
- Salt: Brings balance, enhancing all the natural flavors tucked inside your pot.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a background kick that enlivens the other herbs and aromatics.
- Dried basil: This classic herb lends a sweet, peppery note that always pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- Dried oregano: Herbal, earthy oregano works like a flavor booster, adding Italian backbone to the soup.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you appreciate a spark of heat, a pinch of these will perk up the entire pot.
- Sugar (optional): Just a teaspoon can tame extra acidity and bring harmony to the finished soup—taste first, then decide!
- Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream: The hero swap that gives you silky, creamy richness without the need for heavier dairy.
How to Make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step is where the base flavors bloom—building that irresistible, homey aroma that signals something wonderful is on the way.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in both cans of whole peeled tomatoes, including all their juices. Gently crush the tomatoes with your spoon to help them break down as they cook. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, and add salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and (if you enjoy a hint of spice) the red pepper flakes. This medley creates a flavor-packed foundation for your Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!).
Step 3: Simmer and Let the Flavors Develop
Turn up the heat and bring your pot to a gentle boil, then quickly reduce to a simmer. Let everything bubble away for 20 to 25 minutes. This stage melds the flavors, intensifies the tomatoes, and fills your kitchen with that cozy, tomato-soup scent you know and love.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Time for that dreamy, velvety texture! Use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend your soup until smooth and creamy. (No immersion blender? Carefully transfer soup in batches to a regular blender.) Blending is the secret to the most luxurious Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) texture—silky but never heavy.
Step 5: Stir in Creaminess and Adjust Seasoning
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt or light sour cream until fully incorporated. This step brings your soup to another level—lusciously rich, but still light. Taste and adjust with extra salt or a touch of sugar if your tomatoes are extra tangy. Ladle into bowls, garnish, and enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a dusting of Parmesan cheese offers extra richness. If you love a little crunch, scatter over some homemade croutons or roasted chickpeas. Don’t forget that final drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch!
Side Dishes
Nothing beats dipping a grilled cheese sandwich into a steaming bowl of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!). For a lighter side, try toasted sourdough, a classic baguette, or even garlic toast. A crisp, green salad makes a refreshing counterpart and completes the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in small espresso cups as elegant starters for a dinner party, or swirl a spoonful of Greek yogurt in each bowl for a pretty marbled pattern. For kids, float little cheese toasts or alphabet pasta as a fun twist! Personalize your bowl with a mix of toppings to suit everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready to warm you up whenever you need a quick, healthy meal.
Freezing
This soup is an excellent candidate for freezing! Just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, freeze without the yogurt or sour cream and stir it in after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently so nothing sticks. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave before heating through. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened, and finish by stirring in your creamy element for that fresh-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have ripe, in-season tomatoes, use them. Just peel and roughly chop them, and increase cooking time as they release their juices. The flavor will be bright and sweet—a lovely fresh twist on Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!).
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap out the Greek yogurt or sour cream for unsweetened almond or coconut milk, or your favorite dairy-free yogurt substitute. You’ll get that same creamy finish with a soup that fits your dietary needs.
Can I make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) spicy?
Of course! Start with the optional crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick. Adjust to taste to suit everyone in your household.
Can I blend the soup in advance?
Yes, you can blend the soup ahead of time. Wait to stir in the yogurt or sour cream until reheating, so it remains smooth and creamy when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No problem! Carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender in batches—cover loosely and hold a kitchen towel over the lid for safety. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot for the creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bowl of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)—every spoonful feels like a warm, gentle hug. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover how simple, satisfying, and soul-soothing homemade tomato soup can be. Gather your favorite toppings, toast some bread, and make this delicious ritual your own!
Print
Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) is a delicious and creamy version of the comforting favorite, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful soup that is both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Cook Soup: Add tomatoes, broth, seasonings; simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Puree: Blend soup until smooth, stir in yogurt or sour cream.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or Parmesan, serve hot.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic meal combination.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
