Fresh Tomato Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup with smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and sweet corn. Perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. bacon (8 slices) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tomatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 ears corn, husked and cut off cob ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced, pared carrot
- 1 potato, pared and sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped, peeled tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or kettle, cook bacon until lightly browned. Remove and drain; crumble and reserve.
- Pour off all but two tablespoons of fat from the pan.
- Add chopped onion, sliced celery, and quartered tomatoes; cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients—including water, salt, pepper, sugar, corn, sliced celery, sliced carrots, sliced potato, chopped peeled tomatoes, and bacon; stir well.
- Simmer for 30 minutes longer, until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of water. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the soup, while adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and fresh herbs for an inviting presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or browse more American recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Tomato Vegetable Soup contains roughly 374 calories, with 11g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1482mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. Use about 4 cups of canned diced tomatoes, and adjust the seasoning as canned tomatoes can be saltier. Drain excess liquid before adding them to the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste. This can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).