Herb Tomato Soup
A flavorful herb-infused tomato soup with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting lunch or starter that suits all taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 leek, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil or salad oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2 1/2 to 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook celery, leek, and onion in heated oil until limp.
- Mix in garlic, bouillon cubes, water, herbs, and black pepper, stirring until bouillon cubes dissolve.
- Simmer, uncovered, until vegetables are just tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried; just double the amount. If you prefer a creamier soup, blend in some heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option. Additionally, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This herb tomato soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad for a light meal. Consider topping it with croutons or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor. For a heartier option, serve alongside Chicken 'N Vegetable Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to allow steam to escape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Tomato Soup contains roughly 134 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2569mg per serving (112% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Just chop them and add them to the pot with the other ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they soften properly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process. You can also serve it with a dash of hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).