Is there anything more soul-soothing than a warm bowl of tomato soup? Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just need a simple meal that hits the spot, this homemade tomato soup is everything—rich, velvety, and brimming with flavor. And the best part? It’s quick, easy, and made with pantry staples you probably already have.
There’s something magical about tomato soup. It’s nostalgic—maybe it reminds you of coming home from school to a steaming bowl waiting on the table, or sipping it slowly while curled up on the couch during a rainy afternoon. It’s the kind of food that wraps you in a warm embrace with every spoonful.
But tomato soup isn’t just about the tomatoes—it’s about balance. Tomatoes are naturally bright and acidic, and while that zesty flavor is part of their charm, it can sometimes overpower. That’s where the humble carrot steps in. With its gentle sweetness, it rounds out the sharpness and creates a more harmonious, well-rounded flavor profile. Beyond sweetness, carrots are also slightly alkaline, meaning they help neutralize some of the tomatoes’ acidity instead of merely masking it with sugar. You may not even notice the carrot distinctly, but you’d miss it if it were gone.
Then there’s the smoked paprika. It might seem like a small addition, but it makes a huge impact—adding a warm, earthy depth and a subtle smoky note that lingers on the palate. It gives the soup a richer, more complex flavor that elevates it from simple comfort food to something just a little more special. The best part? It delivers that roasted, fire-kissed essence you might get from oven-roasting your vegetables—without the need to even turn the oven on. That slight smokiness plays beautifully with the sweetness of the carrot and the brightness of the tomato, tying everything together in a beautifully cohesive way.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to get there. With just a few everyday staples and your trusty soup maker, you’re 30 minutes away from a homemade classic that tastes like it simmered all day.
This recipe is about simplicity meeting satisfaction. It’s for the busy weeknight when you want comfort without chaos. It’s for the weekend lunch when you want something warm but not heavy. It’s for those moments when only soup will do.
Let’s dive into a bowl of cozy.
What You’ll Need
Grab your favorite apron—here’s what you’ll be working with:
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes (yes, the juicy kind)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped (for a hint of natural sweetness)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup tomato paste (this is where the richness lives)
- ½ cup water or chicken/vegetable stock
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and a subtle kick)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional but amazing: a swirl of heavy cream just before serving.
Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Prep the Good Stuff
Chop your onion, carrot, and garlic—no need for perfection, just make sure nothing’s larger than 2 inches. Mix the tomato paste with half of the water or stock in a small bowl to create a silky base.
Step 2: Load the Nutrify
In the Nutrify cooking appliance, layer in the olive oil, chopped veggies, tomato paste mixture, crushed tomatoes (with their juices), the rest of the stock or water, and all those delicious seasonings. Nutrify is designed to handle chunky ingredients with ease, so you don’t have to worry about over-chopping.
Step 3: Seal the Flavor
Place the lid on the Nutrify and twist it until it clicks into place. Make sure the arrow indicators are aligned. Plug the unit in, and you’re set for seamless cooking.
Step 4: Select Soup Mode and Go
Press the Mode button until the “Soup” icon flashes on the display. Then press Start. Nutrify’s built-in heating and blending system will take over, cooking your soup to the perfect smooth consistency at around 100°C—all in about 30 minutes.
Step 5: The Grand Finale
Once Nutrify beeps three times and the Soup light flashes, it’s showtime. Gently unlock and remove the lid. Take a moment to enjoy that rich, inviting aroma. Stir in a splash of heavy cream if you want to dial up the comfort factor.
Step 6: Serve It Hot
Pour the soup directly from Nutrify into your favorite bowls. Garnish with fresh basil, a swirl of cream, or even a touch of Parmesan. Serve with warm crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This
This isn’t just tomato soup. It’s the rainy-day cure, the quick dinner hero, the “I need something cozy” answer. It’s packed with real ingredients, takes minimal effort, and stores like a dream for those next-day cravings.
Make it once, and you’ll have a new go-to in your comfort food rotation.