4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup for Two Recipe

Name: 4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup for Two
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1/2 onion, quartered; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with basil garlic and olive oil; 2 tsp butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream, divided

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was originally created for 2 servings. Quantities can be adjusted, but cooking steps and times remain the same. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1/2 onion, quartered
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream, divided

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
Roughly quarter the half onion and separate the pieces. Place them on a baking tray. Open the can of diced tomatoes and drizzle some of the tomato liquid over the onion pieces.
Roast the onions in the preheated oven until they are soft, about 25 minutes.
Transfer the roasted onions and the canned tomatoes into a high-powered blender. Blend on high for about 40 seconds until smooth.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes.
Stir in 3 tablespoons of the heavy cream.
Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle the remaining cream on top of each serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 161
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 44mg
Sodium: 148mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin C: 13mg
Calcium: 57mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 250mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. If you are on a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind 4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup

The humble tomato soup has a history that stretches back centuries. Originating in Europe in the 18th century, it became popular as a simple, comforting dish that could be prepared with minimal ingredients. Early versions often included fresh tomatoes, water or broth, and basic seasonings. Over time, cream and butter were added, creating the rich, velvety texture that many enjoy today. The version of this soup with just four ingredients roasted onion, canned tomatoes with basil and garlic, butter, and cream represents a modern, minimalist take that emphasizes depth of flavor without complexity.

Regional Variations

Tomato soup is beloved worldwide, but regional variations add unique touches. In the United States, creamy tomato soup often includes dairy, making it richer and smoother. In contrast, Mediterranean versions may rely on olive oil and fresh herbs rather than cream. Indian adaptations sometimes incorporate spices like cumin or coriander, giving the soup a warming, aromatic profile. This 4-ingredient recipe reflects an American-style simplicity, focusing on roasting and blending to extract maximum flavor.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While tomato soup shares similarities with bisques and stews, it is distinct in its preparation and texture. Unlike a bisque, which is traditionally made from shellfish or meat stock and thickened with cream, tomato soup is purely vegetable-based and can be made quickly from pantry staples. Unlike chunky vegetable soups, this recipe emphasizes smoothness and creaminess, creating a comforting, velvety mouthfeel that sets it apart from brothy or chunky counterparts.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This creamy tomato soup is commonly served as a starter or light lunch in cafes, bistros, and home kitchens alike. It pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. Its portion-for-two design makes it ideal for intimate dinners or quick weeknight meals. In many American households, tomato soup is also a nostalgic comfort food, often associated with childhood lunches and cozy evenings.

Interesting Facts

The concept of roasting onions to enhance sweetness is a modern twist on traditional recipes and helps deepen the flavor without additional seasoning.
Canned tomatoes with basil and garlic simplify preparation while retaining authentic Mediterranean flavors.
The soups creamy texture comes from just a small amount of butter and cream, demonstrating that richness does not require complexity.
Tomato soup has been credited as one of the first canned soups sold commercially, popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite its simplicity, this soup packs significant vitamin C and antioxidants from the tomatoes, making it both delicious and nutritious.

FAQ about 4-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Soup for Two Recipe

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to peel and chop them. You might also need to adjust the seasoning since canned tomatoes often have added flavors like basil and garlic.

To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream.

If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Yes, this soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to stir in a little more cream to restore the texture.

A yellow onion works best for this recipe due to its sweet and mild flavor, which complements the tomatoes well. However, you can use white or red onions if that's what you have on hand.

Yes, you can add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to this soup. Just roast them along with the onions for added depth of flavor before blending.

To add spice, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce when blending the soup. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Cook Time: 10 minutes