J L H Chunky Tomato Soup
A hearty, comforting tomato soup with smoky bacon, fragrant herbs, and rich flavors, perfect for chilly days or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced onion in a bit of butter until translucent.
- Set the sautéed onion aside.
- Combine bacon fat with the sautéed onion and butter.
- In a large saucepan, combine condensed tomato soup, milk, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, basil, thyme, and pepper.
- Heat the mixture on medium, stirring often, without boiling.
- Add some of the soup to the bacon fat and blend, then stir this mixture into the pot of soup.
- Continue heating but do not let it boil, stirring often.
- Add crumbled bacon to the soup.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you don't have bacon, pancetta or turkey bacon can be a suitable substitute. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; try using fresh basil instead of dried. Also, if you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This chunky tomato soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread for dipping. Consider serving it alongside a fresh Spring Spinach Salad for a complete meal. For added texture, top the soup with croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of J L H Chunky Tomato Soup contains roughly 326 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of milk. You may also enhance the flavor by adding more herbs and spices to compensate for the missing meat flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by pureeing a portion of the soup and stirring it back in. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water) and simmer until thickened.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.
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).