Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe

Energizing High-Protein Tomato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Soup lovers rejoice as this high-protein tomato soup recipe delivers a nutritious punch without sacrificing flavor.

Packed with robust ingredients, this hearty dish transforms a classic comfort food into a protein-packed meal.

Each spoonful bursts with rich tomato goodness and protein that’ll keep you satisfied for hours.

Nutritionists and home cooks alike appreciate how simple ingredients can create such a delectable experience.

The blend of fresh tomatoes and protein-rich additions makes this soup a perfect lunch or dinner option.

Warm, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, this recipe promises to become a staple in your cooking rotation.

Get ready to savor every delicious, nourishing bite of this incredible soup.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 126 kcal

Servings: 5

High-Protein Tomato Soup Ingredient

For Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavor depth.
  • Onions: Adds sweet, aromatic base that develops complex flavor profile for the soup.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, robust flavor and boosts overall taste complexity.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the natural taste of all ingredients.
For Tomato Components:
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates deep, tangy tomato essence and provides rich color.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Delivers bright, fresh tomato flavor and creates smooth soup texture.
  • Dried Basil: Introduces herbaceous, slightly peppery undertone to the soup.
  • Sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the tomato's sharp flavor.
For Protein and Creaminess:
  • Cottage Cheese: Adds creamy texture, boosts protein content, and creates silky smooth consistency.
  • Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base, enhances overall depth, and supports soup's hydration.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds sharp, salty final touch.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh garnish that elevates presentation and adds herbal note.
  • Black Pepper: Optional garnish that introduces subtle heat and complexity.

Tools That Help With Tomato Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for sautéing onions and simmering the soup base.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for dicing onions and mincing garlic precisely.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture with cottage cheese.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, sugar, and herbs.
  • Ladle: Helps transfer hot soup safely and serve in bowls.

Making High-Protein Tomato Soup Easily

  • Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot, then gently soften chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant.

  • Aromatic Awakening

Introduce minced garlic and a sprinkle of salt, allowing the ingredients to dance and release their rich essence.

  • Tomato Transformation

Stir in tomato paste, creating a deep, concentrated base. Sprinkle dried basil and a touch of sweetness to enhance the overall profile.

  • Liquid Symphony

Pour in canned tomatoes and vegetable broth, letting the mixture simmer and develop complex layers of taste. Allow the liquid to meld and intensify for about 20 minutes.

  • Creamy Fusion

Transfer the hot mixture to a blender, adding cottage cheese to create a silky, protein-packed texture. Blend until smooth and velvety.

  • Final Flourish

Ladle the vibrant soup into bowls, then crown with elegant toppings like fresh basil, a dusting of Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. Savor the comforting warmth and nutritious goodness.

Adjustments for More Flavor in Tomato Soup

  • Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt, silken tofu, or ricotta for varied protein sources and exciting texture variations without compromising nutritional value.
  • Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for extra warmth and depth, transforming the soup from basic to bold with minimal effort.
  • Incorporate roasted bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the simmering stage to increase vegetable content and create a more complex, nutrient-dense meal.
  • Store this soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for 3 months, ensuring a quick, protein-packed meal is always within reach.

Serving This Tomato Soup Right

  • Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette or artisan sourdough to dip into the creamy tomato soup, adding a delightful crunch and texture.
  • Create a Protein Power Meal: Serve alongside grilled chicken strips or a hard-boiled egg to boost the protein content and make the meal more filling.
  • Add Fresh Herb Toppings: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, chives, or parsley on top to bring a burst of color and vibrant, garden-fresh flavor to the soup.
  • Craft a Cozy Lunch Combo: Pair the soup with a light side salad or small sandwich for a complete, satisfying midday meal that's both nutritious and comforting.

Tips for Keeping Tomato Soup Delicious Overnight

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover soup in airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze for Later: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a double batch and portion into individual containers for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. The high-protein soup stays filling and satisfying throughout the week.
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Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe

Hearty Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Greek tomato soup showcases Mediterranean flavors with protein-packed ingredients. Nutritious and quick to prepare, this recipe delivers robust taste and health benefits for wellness-focused cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups cottage cheese (2% MF)
  • 2 cans whole tomatoes (28 oz / 794 g each)
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tbsps minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsps dried basil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
  • Fresh basil (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame, gently sweating onions until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavor-rich base for the soup.
  2. Aromatic Layering: Introduce minced garlic and a touch of kosher salt, quickly toasting to release their essential oils. Deglaze with a splash of vegetable broth if the pan becomes too dry.
  3. Flavor Development: Integrate tomato paste, sprinkling granulated sugar and dried basil. Stir vigorously to caramelize and develop deep, complex flavor profiles.
  4. Simmering Stage: Add whole canned tomatoes and vegetable broth, covering and allowing the mixture to gently simmer. Occasionally stir to prevent burning and promote even heat distribution.
  5. Creamy Transformation: Carefully transfer hot soup to a blender, incorporating cottage cheese. Puree until achieving a luxuriously smooth texture, being mindful of potential steam pressure during blending.
  6. Elegant Presentation: Pour the velvety soup into serving vessels, crowning with freshly grated Parmesan, delicate basil leaves, and a whisper of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and vibrancy.

Notes

  • Blending Safety: Always leave space in the blender when processing hot liquids to prevent steam buildup and potential explosive splattering.
  • Flavor Boosting: Sprinkle sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded and complex taste profile.
  • Protein Power: Cottage cheese adds creamy texture and significant protein boost without heavy cream, making the soup more nutritionally dense.
  • Sautéing Technique: Use vegetable broth instead of extra oil when pan gets dry to prevent burning and maintain low-calorie cooking method.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 126
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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