Out of season, a can of good whole tomatoes beats any fresh one on the shelf. The technique: let the tomatoes caramelize against the pot before you add liquid, so the soup tastes roasted, not raw.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Whole peeled tomatoes
Buy them whole, not crushed, so you control how far they break down.
Sweat the aromaticsMelt the butter over medium and cook the diced onion and garlic 8 minutes until soft and translucent, no color.
Caramelize the tomatoesAdd the tomatoes with their juice, crushing them by hand. Let them cook hard 15 minutes, stirring, until the edges catch and the liquid tightens.
Add water and simmerPour in 2 cups water, bring to a simmer, and hold 10 minutes.
Blend and seasonBlend smooth. Taste and correct with salt and a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes ran sharp. Serve with a griddled grilled cheese on the bread.
Can you make Tomato Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Tomato Soup? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Tomato Soup ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Tomato Soup gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Tomato Soup vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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