Tomato Soup Recipe
Looking for a quick, healthy soup recipe that’s both nutritious and full of flavor? This easy Indian tomato soup is made with fresh tomatoes for a rich taste, with minimal oil.
Creamy and flavorful Tomato Soup is a healthy and comforting Indian-style soup made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and basic Indian spices and vegetables, all simmered in a pressure cooker, perfect for any meal. Whether you’re learning how to make tomato soup at home for breakfast or searching for a vegetarian soup for dinner, this low-calorie dish can be served as a light lunch or a cozy starter before your main course. Topped with homemade croutons and garnished with coriander, this homemade tomato soup is one of the easiest and comforting Indian food recipes you can prepare at home for health, taste, and convenience.
Ingredients and Substitutes
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to your healthy homemade tomato soup. You can also replace it with ghee for an Indian-style soup or use olive oil or vegetable oil for a lighter, dairy-free option.
- Bay leaves: Bring a subtle earthy aroma, enhancing the authentic flavor of this easy tomato soup recipe. If you don’t have them, try a small cinnamon stick or a pinch of dried thyme for similar fragrance.
- Carrot: Gives natural sweetness and a silky texture, making the soup both nourishing and comforting. Pumpkin, sweet potato, or butternut squash are excellent substitutes in this healthy vegetarian soup.
- Onion: Forms the base of flavor for a classic Indian tomato soup. Shallots, leeks, or spring onions can be used instead if you want a milder onion taste.
- Ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of spice, perfect for boosting immunity in this winter soup recipe. You can use ginger paste or skip it for a smoother, less spicy version.
- Tomatoes: The heart of this creamy tomato soup recipe, providing tangy flavor and bright color. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned tomatoes or tomato paste with water are great substitutes.
- Beetroot: Enhances the vibrant red color and adds mild sweetness, making the soup look more appetizing. You can also use red bell pepper for a similar color and flavor.
- Water: Acts as the liquid base for this homemade soup. For a richer taste, vegetable stock or chicken stock can be used instead.
- Salt: Balances the flavors of the tangy tomatoes and sweet carrots. You can also use pink Himalayan salt, sea salt, or a low-sodium option if you’re making a heart-healthy tomato soup.
- Sugar: Helps balance acidity in the tomatoes, giving a restaurant-style soup flavor. Honey or jaggery can be used as natural sweeteners, or skip if your tomatoes are already sweet.
- Black pepper powder: Adds gentle spice to this easy vegetarian tomato soup. White pepper or a touch of red chili powder can be used if you prefer a spicier version.
- Coriander leaves: Fresh coriander brings a fragrant finish, making this Indian-style tomato soup more refreshing. You can also use parsley, basil, or mint leaves for a different twist.
- Bread slice: Used to make golden, crispy croutons that pair perfectly with creamy tomato soup. Whole wheat, multigrain, or gluten-free bread are healthy alternatives.
- Ghee or oil: Helps in toasting the croutons, adding crunch and flavor. Butter, olive oil, or avocado oil also work well depending on your preference.
How to Make Tomato Soup
1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pressure cooker. Add 2 bay leaves, chopped carrots, onions, and 1-inch ginger. Sauté for 1 minute to build the base of this homemade soup recipe.
2. Add diced tomatoes (400–500g) and beetroot. Pour in 2 cups water, and add salt. Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles to make a flavorful Indian tomato soup.
3. Once cooled, remove bay leaves. Strain the mixture with a sieve for a smooth, restaurant-style soup texture.
4. Reheat strained soup in a pan. Add ½ tsp sugar and ¼ tsp black pepper. Simmer 5 minutes to make this easy soup for dinner rich and aromatic.
5. To make crispy croutons for soup, fry small bread cubes in 1 tbsp ghee/oil until golden and crispy. Serve hot vegetarian soup garnished with cream or chopped coriander leaves and topped with crunchy croutons.
Cooking Tips for Making Tomato Soup
When preparing tomato soup, always begin by sautéing the base vegetables well, as this step builds depth of flavor and makes the soup more aromatic. Simmering the mixture slowly helps the flavors blend together and gives the soup a naturally rich taste. For a silky, restaurant-style texture, it’s important to strain the boiled mixture carefully, pressing out all the juice while discarding fibrous residue. A gentle simmer after straining allows the soup to thicken slightly and develop a balanced flavor without losing its freshness. Preparing homemade croutons adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, creamy soup. Finally, serving the soup hot with a garnish of cream, coriander, or freshly ground pepper enhances both presentation and taste, making it a wholesome and comforting dish for any meal.
Serving Suggestions for Tomato Soup
Serve this classic Indian tomato soup hot, either as a starter or a light main dish. Pair this warming Indian-style tomato soup with a slice of toasted garlic bread or a simple salad for a light and comforting meal. Perfect as a vegetarian starter, especially during winter or monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make tomato soup without onion and garlic by using just tomatoes, spices, and herbs.
Yes, you can refrigerate tomato soup for 2–3 days or freeze for up to a 14 days. Reheat soup before serving.
Canned tomatoes can be used to make tomato soup, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. To balance the taste, add a pinch of sugar, salt or a bit of cream.
Recipe Card
Tomato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Stove
- 1 Knife
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Spoon1
- 1 Sieve or fine mesh strainer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Frying pan (for croutons)
- 2 Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup chopped carrot about 1 medium
- ½ cup diced onion about 1 medium
- 1- inch piece ginger peeled
- 4 to 5 medium tomatoes diced (400–500 grams)
- ¼ cup chopped beetroot optional
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste about ½ teaspoon
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 bread slice cut into small squares
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil for frying bread croutons
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a pressure cooker over medium flame. Let it melt fully. This adds richness to your homemade tomato soup. Then, add the following ingredients: 2 bay leaves, ½ cup chopped carrots, ½ cup diced onions, and 1-inch piece of ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute on high flame. These vegetables add depth and nutrition, making it a perfect healthy soup for dinner.
- Add 4–5 medium diced tomatoes about (400–500g) and ¼ cup chopped beetroot (optional). The beetroot gives a natural deep red hue of this vegetarian soup and subtle sweetness, ideal for a nutritious Indian tomato soup.
- Pour in 2 cups of water, and add about ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste). Close the lid and pressure cook the ingredients for tomato soup for 2 to 3 whistles to soften all vegetables and help the flavors meld.
- Once the pressure releases naturally from cooker, open the cooker and transfer the boiled mixture to a large bowl. The tomatoes and vegetables will be soft now. You can remove and discard the bay leaves before straining.
- Use a sieve to strain the soup mixture into another bowl. Press with the back of a spoon to extract as much pulp and juice as possible. This step ensures a smooth texture, restaurant-style tomato soup. Discard the leftover fibrous pulp.
- Transfer the strained soup to a pan, turn on the heat to medium flame. Add ½ teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until flavors are well blended. This makes the soup slightly thick and aromatic.
- To make crispy croutons, cut 1 bread slice into small square pieces.
- Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or oil in a small pan and fry the bread cubes until they turn golden brown and crispy. These crunchy bread croutons are easy to make at home, add a perfect contrast to your warm bowl of smooth vegetarian soup.
- Pour the hot tomato soup into serving bowls. You can garnish soup with 1 tablespoon of fresh cream or chopped coriander leaves and top with homemade croutons.
