Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when it’s made from scratch. This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe brings together the rich flavors of fresh cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. It’s a delightful meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows you to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you carry on with your day.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll end up with a soup that’s both hearty and satisfying. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, velvety texture that you’ll crave. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your taste preferences, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion.
What to Buy
To make this luscious Slow Cooker Tomato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 lbs cherry tomatoes – washed and halved lengthwise
- 10 cloves garlic – peeled and smashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 sweet onion – diced
- 1 red bell pepper – deseeded and diced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves – for garnish
Equipment & Tools
Gather these essential tools to make your cooking process smoother:
- Slow Cooker – your best friend for this recipe, allowing for effortless cooking.
- Cutting Board – for chopping vegetables.
- Knife – a sharp one makes all the difference!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Blender or Immersion Blender – for achieving that creamy texture.
- Serving Bowls – to enjoy your delicious soup!
Cooking Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe: The Process
Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing and halving your cherry tomatoes. Peel and smash the garlic cloves, and dice the sweet onion and red bell pepper.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, add the halved cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, diced onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried basil leaves and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to mix all the ingredients well.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking time allows all the flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 5: Blend the Soup
Once the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
After blending, return the soup to the slow cooker (if using a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Allow it to heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Customize for Your Needs
This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to try out these variations:
- Add carrots or celery for extra veggies.
- Use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are out of season.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Opt for a dairy-free version by substituting the cream with coconut milk.
- Mix in some cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
When making this soup, remember that using fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor. If you’re short on time, you can prep your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. Also, feel free to adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more or less broth, depending on your preference for thickness.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Common Questions
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, you can use roma or beefsteak tomatoes as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using larger tomatoes.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk, and omit the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
How long can I store leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I add meat to this soup?
For a heartier option, feel free to add cooked sausage or shredded chicken. Just stir it in after blending the soup to heat through.
Next Steps
Now that you have the perfect Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and enjoy the process of creating this beloved classic. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or preparing a meal for friends and family, this soup is sure to please.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic filling your kitchen. Once you try this recipe, it will surely become a staple in your home. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s get started on this delicious journey to homemade goodness!
Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by washing and halving your cherry tomatoes. Peel and smash the garlic cloves, and dice the sweet onion and red bell pepper.
- In your slow cooker, add the halved cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, diced onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried basil leaves and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to mix all the ingredients well.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking time allows all the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- After blending, return the soup to the slow cooker (if using a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Allow it to heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- Using fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor.
- Prep vegetables the night before to save time.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth.
