Spicy Tomato Soup

Craving comfort with a kick? This spicy tomato soup recipe is simple, delicious, and ready to warm you from the inside out!

A Bowl of Comfort: Spicy Tomato Soup

Spicy tomato soup is a classic for a reason. Its creamy texture and bright tomato flavor is already wonderful. Adding a bit of spice elevates it to something truly special. This recipe is easy to make, so you can have a bowl of warmth on the table in no time. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick and satisfying lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Tomato Soup

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful: A delicious balance of sweet tomatoes and warming spices.
• Versatile: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Comforting: The perfect bowl to warm you up.

Ingredients for Your Spicy Tomato Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Spicy Tomato Soup: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for a delicious and flavorful soup:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well.
5. Add the vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.)
8. Stir in the heavy cream (if using).
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil (if desired).

Tips for the Best Spicy Tomato Soup

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect bowl:

• Use high-quality tomatoes: The flavor of the tomatoes is key to a great soup.
• Adjust the spice: Add more or less red pepper flakes to your desired spice level. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Blend carefully: If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
• Add some sweetness: A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Get creative with toppings: Serve with grilled cheese, crackers, or a dollop of sour cream.

Making it Your Own: Variations of Spicy Tomato Soup

This recipe is just a starting point. Here are a few ideas to customize your tomato soup:

• Roasted Tomato Spicy Tomato Soup: Roast the tomatoes before blending for an even richer flavor.
• Creamy Tomato Basil Tomato Soup: Add fresh basil and more heavy cream for a luxurious soup.
• Spicy Tortilla Spicy Tomato Soup: Top with tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Roasted Tomato Spicy Tomato Soup

Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, creating a deeper and more complex soup. To make this variation:

1. Cut 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes in half.
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelized.
4. Proceed with the recipe, using the roasted tomatoes instead of the canned crushed tomatoes.

Creamy Tomato Basil Spicy Tomato Soup

For a richer and more decadent soup, add cream and fresh basil. Accordingly:

1. Follow the original recipe.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil at the end.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Spicy Tortilla Spicy Tomato Soup

Turn your tomato soup into a fiesta with these toppings:

1. Serve the soup with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
2. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and some chopped cilantro.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Tomato Soup

tomato soup is great on its own, but it’s also delicious with:

• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Crackers
• Crusty bread
• Salads

Grilled Cheese and Spicy Tomato Soup: A Classic

Nothing beats the combination of a warm grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup. The creamy cheese and crunchy bread compliment the soup perfectly. Explore different cheese options, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to further enhance the experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the bread too! Sourdough or multigrain bread can add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Crackers and Crusty Bread: Simple Additions

For a quick and easy meal, serve your soup with crackers or a slice of crusty bread. These additions are great for dipping and soaking up all the delicious flavor. Consider whole-grain crackers for added fiber, or a hearty Italian bread for a truly satisfying meal. Toasting the bread lightly adds a pleasant crunch.

Salads: A Refreshing Side

A light and refreshing salad is a great side dish for tomato soup. Try a cucumber tomato salad or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. For a more substantial salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. A Balsamic vinaigrette pairs particularly well with the richness of the tomato soup.

Health Benefits of Spicy Tomato Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious, it’s also good for you. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. The spices themselves also offer health advantages.

• Rich in Vitamins: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K.
• Antioxidant Power: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits.

Vitamins and Nutrients

Tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C: Supports the immune system.
• Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure.

Antioxidant Properties

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant that may help:

• Protect against cell damage.
• Reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Support heart health.

The Power of Spices

The red pepper flakes in this soup contain capsaicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Garlic is also known for its immune-boosting benefits.

Making Spicy Tomato Soup Fit Your Diet

This soup is versatile and can be adapted to fit various dietary needs.

• For Vegetarians: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
• For Gluten-Free Diets: Ensure your broth is gluten-free.
• For a Low-Carb Option: Omit the cream and serve with low-carb toppings.
• For a Vegan Option: Omit the cream or use a plant-based cream alternative.

Vegetarian Adaptation

The recipe, as written, is already vegetarian. Therefore, you can enjoy it without any modifications.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure that your vegetable or chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Many tomato sauces and canned tomatoes are also naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label.

Low-Carb Adaptation

To reduce the carbohydrate content of this soup:

1. Omit the heavy cream.
2. Serve with low-carb toppings such as avocado or shredded cheese. You can also increase the fiber by adding pureed cauliflower to the soup for extra creaminess without the carbs.

Vegan Adaptation

To make this delicious soup vegan:

1. Omit the heavy cream altogether.
2. Replace the dairy with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut milk.
3. Ensure your vegetable broth is truly vegan and does not contain any animal products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How can I spice up my tomato soup?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level of your tomato soup. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking. Also, consider adding roasted jalapenos.

How to make spicy tomato soup at home?

To make spicy tomato soup at home, sauté onions and garlic with red pepper flakes, then add canned tomatoes, broth, and spices. Simmer, blend, and finish with cream (optional). It’s a simple and delicious meal!

What spices are good in tomato soup?

Oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder are all excellent choices for spicing up tomato soup. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

What to add to soup to make it a bit spicy?

Red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce can all be added to soup to make it more spicy. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level. A little goes a long way!