If you’re searching for a bowl of warmth that checks all the comfort food boxes but won’t weigh you down, look no further: Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) is the answer. This recipe strikes that gorgeous balance between rich tomato flavor and velvety texture, with a clever twist—creamy Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, just enough veggies to add heartiness without stealing the show, and a bouquet of dried herbs bringing homey, nostalgic notes. It’s everything you crave on a chilly evening, perfect alongside your favorite crusty bread or grilled cheese, and—best of all—so simple to whip up on any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients create such a vibrant, satisfying soup. Each element in this Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) plays a part, building the layers of taste, color, and creaminess that make every spoonful memorable.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the vegetables saute gently, building the soup’s flavor base.
- Onion: Brings a mellow sweetness that tames the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrots: Lend subtle earthy sweetness and a little natural color.
- Celery: Offers aromatic herbal notes that balance the soup.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a gentle, irresistible aroma.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and deepens the vibrant red hue.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: The heart of the soup, giving it that classic tangy-sweet tomato punch.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light and lets the tomato flavor shine, without overpowering saltiness.
- Dried basil: Adds a sweet, almost floral note reminiscent of summer gardens.
- Dried oregano: Gives an earthy, Mediterranean depth that pairs nicely with basil.
- Sugar: Just a touch smooths out any sharp acidity from the tomatoes.
- Bay leaf: Delivers subtle background flavor and wonderful aroma during simmering.
- Salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat for a touch of complexity.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Swirled in at the end for a creamy finish, keeping things lighter than heavy cream.
How to Make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming the olive oil in your favorite large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Let them gently soften together for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and everything smells so inviting. This is the foundation for all the wonderful flavors to come!
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Stir in your minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook together for a minute. The tomato paste will caramelize ever so slightly, infusing the pot with concentrated tomato essence, while the garlic offers up its signature aroma—this moment is pure cozy kitchen magic.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes (with their flavorful juices), vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. As soon as you see steady bubbling, drop the heat and let this soup simmer, uncovered, for about 25 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld and deepen—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 4: Blend Until Velvety Smooth
Once simmered, fish out the bay leaf and discard it. Carefully blend the soup until completely smooth—either with an immersion blender right in the pot, or by transferring it in batches to a traditional blender. Go slowly and be mindful with the hot liquid. You’re looking for a silky, luxurious texture.
Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Greek Yogurt
Return your smooth soup to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Add the Greek yogurt and stir until fully incorporated, creating that creamy finish that feels decadent, even though this is a lightened up version.
Step 6: Taste and Season
Give the soup a taste and adjust with a touch more salt or pepper if needed. Every canned tomato is a bit different, so feel free to make it perfect for you. Ladle this Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) into bowls and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)
Garnishes
The right finishing touches take this soup from wonderful to unforgettable. Try a swirl of extra Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a few homemade croutons for crunch. Each spoonful becomes a little celebration of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
There’s just something magical about pairing a bowl of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) with warm, crusty bread. Toasted sourdough, a classic grilled cheese sandwich, or even cheese toasts baked right in the oven—all make ideal partners. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want an extra-special presentation, pour the soup into small mugs or shot glasses for an appetizer, or serve in bread bowls for an extra cozy touch. Drizzle with olive oil and finish each bowl with a dash of smoked salt for a gourmet flair—so pretty and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The soup will stay beautifully fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors even deepen over time. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Allow the soup to cool completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—you’ll have a ready-made cozy meal anytime.
Reheating
Gently reheat Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring regularly, until piping hot. If the soup has thickened up a bit in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to return it to your preferred consistency. Stir and taste before serving in case it needs a pinch more seasoning.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) vegan?
Absolutely! For a plant-based version, simply swap the Greek yogurt for coconut milk or your favorite vegan yogurt, or omit the creamy element altogether. The soup will still have that wonderful, velvety texture and rich tomato flavor.
Do I need fresh tomatoes, or are canned best?
This recipe was designed for convenience with canned whole peeled tomatoes, as they bring consistent flavor and texture year-round. If you’re swimming in ripe garden tomatoes, feel free to use those—just peel and roughly chop before simmering, and expect a slightly fresher flavor.
What does the sugar do in this recipe?
The teaspoon of sugar helps round off any sharp acidity that comes from canned tomatoes, enhancing the soup’s natural sweetness without making it sugary. It’s just a simple trick for really balanced, crave-worthy flavor.
Can I make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) without a blender?
Yes! If you prefer a chunky, rustic soup, just use a potato masher right in the pot to break up the tomatoes and veggies. For the smoothest finish though, an immersion blender is a big help—and much easier for cleanup.
How can I adjust the texture or thickness of my soup?
If your soup is a little too thick, simply add extra vegetable broth until the consistency is just right for you. Want it even creamier? Add a bit more Greek yogurt or swirl in some milk near the end. This recipe is wonderfully flexible!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a batch of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) simmering on your stove. It’s comforting, wholesome, and so easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine—happy cooking, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a big, cozy bowl soon!
Print
Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Tomato Soup recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that has been lightened up with the addition of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day!
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetable Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 8 minutes.
- Saute Aromatics: Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
- Puree Soup: Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in Greek yogurt until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with herbs or bread.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use milk instead of Greek yogurt.
- To make the soup vegan, substitute coconut milk or omit yogurt entirely.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
