This creamy tomato soup is a bowl of comfort that delivers warmth and rich flavor with every spoonful. The freshness of roasted tomatoes, combined with aromatic thyme and a hint of balsamic, creates a balanced depth of flavor that makes this soup irresistibly cozy. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you crave something hearty yet light. Topped with crunchy croutons and a touch of cheese, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for a simple yet satisfying meal.

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Ingredients Overview

The foundation of this creamy tomato soup lies in the quality of its ingredients. Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and a natural sweetness, while canned diced tomatoes add an additional layer of convenience and richness. Aromatic thyme elevates the soup’s herbaceous notes, while the chickpeas provide a subtle creaminess without the need for dairy. A splash of balsamic vinegar balances the flavors with its acidity, and the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to round out the sharpness of the tomatoes. The optional croutons, made with hearty 7-grain bread and vegan mozzarella, offer an irresistible crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roasting the Vegetables

Roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions is an essential step to enhance their natural flavors. The high heat coaxes out the sweetness of the tomatoes, deepens the garlic’s mellow flavor, and caramelizes the onions to perfection. To achieve this, preheat your oven to 450°F, drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper before roasting for 20-25 minutes. The result is a flavorful base that makes the soup vibrant and rich.

Blending to Perfection

Once the vegetables are beautifully roasted, it’s time to blend everything together. If you’re using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, the soup will quickly reach a smooth and creamy consistency. For regular blenders, blending for a longer time may be required to achieve the same velvety texture. This step is crucial in ensuring the soup has a luscious mouthfeel, with the chickpeas working as a secret ingredient that adds thickness and silkiness without any dairy.

Final Adjustments and Serving

After blending, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preferences, you can add a little more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat. If the soup has cooled during the blending process, gently reheat it in a pot over low heat. Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly made croutons, a sprinkle of thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Roasting Tips
Roast the vegetables until they are deeply browned but not burnt. This caramelization process is key to developing a richer flavor profile in the soup.

Blending Advice
If you don’t have a high-powered blender, blend the soup in smaller batches to achieve a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, pulse the blender rather than blending continuously.

Customization
Feel free to experiment by adding extra spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for an earthier flavor. You can also swap the chickpeas for cannellini beans if you prefer a different texture.

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup stores beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much in the fridge.

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh tomatoes add a vibrant flavor, canned tomatoes provide a deeper, richer taste due to their preservation process. Using a mix of both gives the best of both worlds—freshness and depth.

How Can I Make the Soup Thicker or Thinner?
If you prefer a thicker soup, add a handful of extra chickpeas or reduce the amount of liquid slightly. For a thinner soup, simply add a little more water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Suggested Sides
This creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the soup without overpowering it. Alternatively, garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side can make the meal even heartier and more comforting. The crunchy exterior and gooey cheese are a classic combination with a creamy tomato base.

Complementary Drinks
To accompany this flavorful soup, consider serving a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, which has enough acidity to balance the creaminess. For a non-alcoholic option, an herbal tea with hints of mint or chamomile can be refreshing and soothing alongside the warmth of the soup.
Making the Croutons (Optional)

Cheese Selection
If you’re opting to make the croutons, the type of cheese you choose matters. Vegan mozzarella melts beautifully and provides a subtle flavor, but feel free to use regular mozzarella or even sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste. Whichever cheese you choose, the key is to create a thin layer that melts evenly.

Bread Choices
The croutons work best with sturdy, whole-grain bread like SimplyNature’s 7 Grain, but you can also experiment with other bread types. Sourdough offers a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the soup, while gluten-free bread is an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. Toasting the bread until golden ensures a perfect crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.

Adding the final touches can transform your soup into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. For a professional finish, garnish the soup with a few fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and heat. A drizzle of olive oil across the top adds richness and sheen, making the soup look even more appetizing. If you’re serving the soup to guests, consider arranging the croutons on the side or delicately floating them in the bowl for an elegant presentation.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium fresh tomatoes* (see note)
1 small yellow onion, quartered
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup cooked chickpeas
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon maple syrup
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the croutons: (optional)
8 slices SimplyNature 7 Grain Bread
Heaping ½ cup Earth Grown Vegan Mozzarella

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Wrap the unpeeled garlic cloves in foil and arrange them on the baking sheet, alongside the whole tomatoes and onion quarters. Drizzle everything with olive oil, season with a little salt and pepper, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes and onions are beautifully caramelized. Once done, peel the garlic and transfer all the roasted ingredients to a blender.

Next, lower the oven temperature to 400°F and line the baking sheet with a fresh piece of parchment paper.

To the blender with the roasted vegetables, add the canned diced tomatoes, cooked chickpeas, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, thyme leaves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Blend everything together until you achieve a creamy consistency. If you’re using a regular blender, you may need to blend a bit longer to reach the right texture. The soup should still be hot at this point, but if it’s cooled, simply transfer it to a pot and reheat.

To make the croutons, take four slices of the bread and sprinkle each with a thin layer of the vegan mozzarella. Place the remaining bread slices on top to create sandwiches, and drizzle the outsides with olive oil. Bake in the oven until the cheese has melted and the bread is crisp and golden, which should take around 8 minutes. Allow the sandwiches to cool completely before slicing them into croutons, ensuring the cheese stays in place.

Serve the warm tomato soup topped with these crunchy croutons, and garnish with extra fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, and chickpeas if you wish.