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Craving a bowl of warm, comforting tomato soup but don’t want to make a huge batch? This Single Serving Tomato Soup recipe is the answer to your culinary dreams. Crafted to deliver deep flavors in a jiffy, this homemade tomato soup is low in calories but high in satisfaction. The best part? It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for those cooking for one or simply not interested in leftovers.
Searching for more delicious single serving soup recipes? Explore our hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup, cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, rich and creamy Clam Chowder, and our flavorful Black Bean Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Soup Recipe
- Speedy: From start to finish, you’ll be savoring this soup in less than 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: This soup bursts with rich tomato flavors, subtly enhanced by aromatic spices.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have.
- Low-Calorie: Satisfy your comfort food craving without breaking your calorie bank.
- Easily Multiplied: Need to feed more mouths? This recipe doubles seamlessly, so everyone can enjoy a bowl.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy tomato soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Butter: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic, salted butter adds a rich dimension to the soup. For a vegan version, olive oil is a perfect swap.
- Onions and Garlic: Don’t underestimate these kitchen essentials; they deeply enrich the flavor of your tomato soup.
- Smoked Paprika: This variant of paprika elevates the dish with its subtle smokiness, thanks to the smoke-drying process of its chilies. If you don’t have it, regular or sweet paprika makes a suitable alternative.
- Dried Basil: I opt for dried basil due to its robust flavor that withstands cooking heat. If you have fresh basil on hand, add it just before blending the soup for a fresher flavor punch.
- Chili Powder: Want a little warmth? Chili powder gives a slight kick that enhances the soup without overshadowing its main flavors.
- Salt: Whether you choose kosher or regular salt, use sparingly at first—1/4 teaspoon of kosher or 1/8 teaspoon of regular salt is a good starting point. Always taste and adjust as needed.
- Canned Tomatoes: A single can (14- or 15-ounce) of diced, whole, or crushed tomatoes is the foundation of this soup. Easy and convenient!
- Broth: I often use low-sodium chicken broth for better sodium management. For vegan-friendly alternatives, use vegetable broth and a plant-based sweetener.
- Honey: Just a hint of honey or sugar helps balance out the tomato’s natural acidity, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
- Tomato Soup with Bacon: For a smoky flair, cook 1 strip of bacon and set it aside. Utilize the bacon drippings to sauté the onions and garlic. Once the soup is ready, crumble the cooked bacon as a scrumptious garnish.
- Add Vegetables: Add more vitamins to your meal by tossing in a chopped carrot along with the onions and garlic. The carrot not only adds color but also a natural sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
- Greek Tomato Soup: Give your soup a Mediterranean vibe by adding about 3 tablespoons of uncooked orzo pasta. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender. Skip the pureeing step and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Looking to add a kick? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to your soup for a subtle, spicy twist.
- Herb Variations: Not a fan of basil? No worries! Rosemary or thyme also add interesting layers of flavor. Fresh or dried, herbs can be a game-changer.
- Add a Protein: While this recipe focuses on the classic tomato base, adding some protein can create a more substantial meal. Consider adding cooked chicken or mini meatballs for a different take.
- Vegan Tomato Soup: Make the soup entirely plant-based by using vegetable broth and replacing any non-vegan toppings or sides with plant-based alternatives, like vegan cheese or croutons.
With these serving suggestions and recipe variations, your single serving tomato soup can be a new culinary adventure every time you make it!
How To Make Tomato Soup For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a single serving of tomato soup. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Melt the butter in a 2-quart pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, dried basil, chili powder, and salt and cook, stirring frequently for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the honey.
- Pour the soup into a stand blender, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired consistency.
- Pour into a bowl and enjoy hot. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Preparation is Key: Before starting, glance over the complete recipe and ingredient notes. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process for this quick tomato soup.
- Why Canned Tomatoes?: Opt for canned tomatoes to capture that peak-season freshness and concentrated flavor. The result? A tomato soup that’s rich and deeply satisfying.
- Going Vegan: Switching to a plant-based version is simple. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and opt for olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing.
- Blending Options: For a silkier texture, don’t hesitate to use a hand blender to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Once blended, give it a taste test and tweak the salt and spices to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato soup is like a blank canvas, just waiting for the perfect accompaniments:
- Crusty Bread: What better way to enjoy tomato soup than with a slice of freshly baked, crusty French bread? Dip, soak, and savor every bite.
- Grilled Cheese: Elevate your meal with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Think beyond the usual cheddar; experiment with gouda, gruyère, or even brie for a luxe twist.
- Side Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tomato soup beautifully. A Caesar Salad or Italian Chopped salad can be a great addition.
- Extra Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a handful of croutons can add both flavor and visual appeal. A spoonful of pesto or a dollop of sour cream also make exciting garnishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While dried basil adds intense flavor, using fresh basil can make your tomato soup even more aromatic. Just toss in a few leaves right before blending.
Add a luxurious touch with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream after the soup is blended. Stir well to combine.
Certainly! All you need to do is double the amounts of each ingredient to enjoy a second bowl of this delectable soup.
Keep any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, use either the stovetop or microwave. For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Absolutely, this tomato soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Other Easy Single Serving Soup Recipes You’ll Love
Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or hearty, this curated list of single serving soup recipes has something for everyone.
- French Onion Soup
- Tortellini Soup
- Cioppino
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Creamy Vegetable Soup
- Chicken Noodle
- Potato Soup
- Zuppa Toscana
- White Bean Soup
- Looking for more? Check out our other soup recipes.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this homemade tomato soup or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Tomato Soup For One
Equipment
- Immersion blender or stand blender
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes , including juice
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Optional toppings: shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, torn fresh basil
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a 2-quart pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, dried basil, salt, and chili powder and cook, stirring frequently for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the entire can of tomatoes and broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the honey.
- Pour the soup into a stand blender, or use an immersion blender to puree the soup to desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and add additional salt if you feel it is necessary. Pour into a bowl and enjoy hot. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
-
- Preparation is Key: Before starting, glance over the complete recipe and ingredient notes. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process for this quick tomato soup.
-
- Why Canned Tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes to capture that peak-season freshness and concentrated flavor. The result? A tomato soup that’s rich and deeply satisfying.
-
- Going Vegan: Switching to a plant-based version is simple. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and opt for olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing.
-
- Blending Options: For a silkier texture, don’t hesitate to use a hand blender to achieve your preferred consistency.
-
- Final Seasoning: Once blended, give it a taste test and tweak the salt and spices to suit your palate.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I doubled this since I had a 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (I didn’t feel the need to blend). This soup is delicious- especially with a grilled cheese sandwich! Another winning recipe to add to my list of faves!
I am a divorced man, new to cooking. I like the idea of your recipes, dishes for one, but do you have any that require less than 5 or 6 ingredients??
Example: This tomato soup recipe has 10 ingredients plus toppings.
Absolutely, I get where you’re coming from! Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean an endless list of ingredients. While the tomato soup recipe you mentioned has 10 ingredients, keep in mind that 4 of those are basic spices that are great pantry staples. Once you have them, you can use them in multiple recipes.
Also, remember that recipes are more like guidelines. Feel free to simplify or swap out ingredients to suit your taste and make your life easier.
Made this recipe tonight. It was very good. I will definitely make again. I added some black pepper. If I changed anything else it might be to use a little less honey. It was so nice to have hot soup for dinner(not from a can) with the weather turning colder.
The soup was really good and filling. I used 2 small cloves of garlic which made it a little more spicy. I’ll definitely make the Creamy Tomato Soup again but will use 1 clove of garlic.
Great tasting soup. I loved it!
Can’t wait to try! Hubby is not a big soup person but I love it. Tomato and a grilled cheese….just what I want.
Great recipe.