Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, cream, and sherry provides a depth of flavor that is both comforting and indulgent.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing common pantry staples, this recipe is both accessible and easy to prepare.
- Quick Preparation: With a straightforward process, you can have a delicious homemade soup ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
- Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 46 ounces tomato juice
- 3 to 6 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 or 2 tablespoons chicken base, or 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup sherry, optional
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Juice: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato juice. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate Sugar and Seasonings: Add the sugar, chicken base or bouillon cubes, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a near boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less.
- Add Cream and Herbs: Stir in the heavy cream, sherry (if using), basil, and parsley. Let the soup heat through without boiling.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Herb Substitutions: If fresh basil and parsley are unavailable, substitute with dried herbs, reducing the quantity by half.
- Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken base, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
What can I serve with this tomato soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully with this soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with an equal amount of peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary depending on the ripeness of the tomatoes.
Is the sherry necessary?
The sherry adds depth to the flavor, but if you prefer to omit it, the soup will still be delicious. You can substitute it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of tomato juice or let the soup simmer longer to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely. Adding roasted red peppers, carrots, or celery can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
How do I make the soup smoother?
For a velvety smooth texture, blend the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What type of cream should I use?
Heavy cream is recommended for a rich and creamy texture, but you can use half-and-half or a lighter cream if preferred.
How can I reduce the acidity of the soup?
Adding a small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the soup is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that any added ingredients, such as chicken base or bouillon cubes, are also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Ree Drummond’s Best Tomato Soup Ever is a delightful take on a classic comfort food. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite
Ree Drummond’s Best Tomato Soup Ever
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ree Drummond’s Best Tomato Soup Ever is a rich, creamy, and flavorful take on the classic tomato soup. Made with butter, tomatoes, sherry, and heavy cream, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether served with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoyed on its own, this homemade soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp (3/4 stick) butter
- Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 46 ounces tomato juice
- 3 to 6 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 or 2 tbsp chicken base, or 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup sherry (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Onions – In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Juice – Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato juice. Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup – Add sugar, chicken base (or bouillon cubes), and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer – Bring the mixture to a near boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup – Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or leave it chunky if preferred).
- Add Cream and Herbs – Stir in heavy cream, sherry (if using), basil, and parsley. Let the soup heat through without boiling.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your desired sweetness.
- If omitting sherry, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of tomato juice or simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
