Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this cherry tomato soup recipe is the best way to use up your ripe tomatoes. A grilled cheese sandwich's best friend, enjoy it for a light lunch or easy dinner.
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May to October is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. Partly because it is summer. And partly because it is tomato season.
And when there is an abundance of juicy tomatoes and I can't eat them all right off the vine, this soup is one of the first things that I make. (Eggs in Purgatory is another).
Using just a few fresh ingredients, the sweet flavor of the fresh tomatoes truly shines through (as it does in this Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta). It is proof that a great recipe doesn't need to be complicated.
The Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes- 4 cups of grape tomatoes or chopped fresh large garden tomatoes will also work. Or you can use 1 28 oz (796 mL) can of undrained diced or whole tomatoes.
- TIP: If you have an abundance of ripe cherry tomatoes in the summer, wash and dry thoroughly and then simply throw them in the freezer. Take them out and use to make this recipe throughout the winter- no need to thaw. (Or make a batch of Cherry Tomato Jam).
- Yellow Onions
- Olive Oil- Avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil will work.
- Garlic
- Water
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
The Method
1. Sauté onions. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat and add the chopped onion, salt and pepper. Stirring occasionally, cook until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze. Add ½ cup of water and stir to deglaze any onion bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer. Add the remaining water and tomatoes and increase to a medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the tomatoes are very soft. They should easily burst with the pressure of the spoon when stirring.
4. Puree. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend until fully smooth.
Alternatively, if you don't have a blender, you can puree in batches in a blender or a large food processor. Only fill halfway full or less and be very careful blending hot liquids. You could also allow the soup to cool a bit before and then rewarm on the stovetop after.
5. Enjoy! Serve hot.
Leftovers and Storage
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Make It Your Own
- Creamy Tomato Soup- Stir a splash of heavy cream into your bowl.
- Add Italian Herbs- Add 2 teaspoon of dried Italian Seasoning or a combination of herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme and oregano.
- Make it Spicy- Omit the black pepper and add 1 teaspoon of paprika and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (or more depending on your preferences).
Serving Ideas
Try topping your hot soup with some:
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
- Homemade Croutons
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Chopped Fresh Herbs such as fresh basil or parsley
And for a delicious soup and sandwich pairing, try it alongside a Turkey Pesto Sandwich or a Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich.
For more ideas, check out this list of 37 Perfect Sides to Serve with Tomato Soup (Plus Toppings!).
Make this soup! Or freeze your extra summer tomatoes and use them to make this recipe throughout the winter. Just add them as you would fresh- no need to thaw.
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And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like these other simple soups!
Recipe Card
Simple Cherry Tomato Soup
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 small yellow onions diced, about 2 cups
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups water divided
- 4 cups fresh cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium low and add the onions, salt and pepper. Cook the onions until soft and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 additional minute.
- Add ½ cup of water and stir to deglaze. Stir in the remaining water and tomatoes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for 20-30 minutes until the tomatoes are very soft.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
More Soups and Stews!
jennifer says
So easy and delicious!!! I came into a windfall of tomatoes, so I think I will make another batch or two and freeze!! YAY
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Jennifer!
Shelby says
A delicious soup and my favorite way to use up garden tomatoes!
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Shelby!
Donny says
Thanks for including the info about using canned tomatoes. I always have some sitting around that need to get used up. So I tried them in this soup and it turned out great!
Janessa says
I'm glad! Thank you for your kind review, Donny.
Stacey says
There is nothing more satisfying than tomato soup & grilled cheese. Beautiful recipe and I love the crispy chick-pea topping with it.
Janessa says
Thank you for your kind review, Stacey!
Megan says
This is so yummy with homegrown tomatoes, paprika and the roasted chickpeas. Thanks for a delicious dinner recipe!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Megan!
nanc says
what a tasty and simple tomato soup! It goes great with a garlic toast!
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Nanc!
Rachel says
The best tomato soup I have ever had! And so easy. I replaced the water with chicken stock cause I thought it would need flavor but my goodness it is so rich and yummy it doesn’t! - it is good with chicken stock though too!
My kids wanted more. Thankfully I have a garden full of cherry tomatoes that I didn’t know what to do with. I will be making big batches of this and freezing it. Thank you so much!
Janessa says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Rachel! Thank you for your kind words!
Susan says
I made your soup. I work with tomatoes all the time because my husband puts in way too many tomato plants (regular, heirloom, plum...roma and San Marzano, cherry). I would recommend cutting the water down from 3 to 2 cups. Also, I made one of the cups chicken stock. Came out delicious. I felt 3 cups of water was going to water the tomatoes down to much. I was right. 2 cups of fluid was perfect.
Janessa says
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Susan! Thank you for sharing your kind review and notes on the recipe.