If you’re craving something soothing, nutrient-packed, and utterly delicious, let me introduce you to my Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe. It’s smooth, rich, and bright with just the right balance of herbs and spice. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or something light yet filling, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Texture: Thanks to the cooked white beans, this soup is silky without a drop of dairy.
- Quick and Simple: It comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of tomato paste, herbs, and spices creates a harmoniously rich taste.
- Vegan and Protein-Rich: It’s not only comforting but also nourishing with the secret white bean boost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here lies in combining canned tomatoes and white beans to build that rich texture and flavor. Choosing good-quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference, so I always look for whole peeled ones with no added salt or preservatives.
- Whole peeled tomatoes: These provide the base of your soup’s vibrant, natural sweetness and acidity.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh flavor.
- Tomato paste: Packs a concentrated tomato punch – don’t skip this one!
- Yellow onion: A foundational flavor; I recommend slicing it thin for even cooking.
- Minced garlic: Essential for that savory depth without overpowering.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté your onions and garlic to golden perfection.
- Cooked small white beans (like cannellini): Secret ingredient that makes the soup beautifully creamy and boosts protein.
- Non-dairy milk: I use unsweetened almond or oat milk to keep it smooth and light.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle earthy herbiness.
- Fresh chopped basil (or dried): Bring freshness and bright notes to balance the soup.
- Salt: Enhances all those wonderful flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for warmth and a hint of heat.
- Paprika: Adds smoky depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Season to taste, but a little always helps elevate.
Variations
This Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe is a great canvas for experimentation. I love tweaking it depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in, and I encourage you to do the same!
- Add roasted red peppers: I tried this once and it added a sweet, smoky flavor that turned out fantastic.
- Use coconut milk instead of almond milk: For a tropical twist that adds richness and subtle sweetness.
- Kick it up with smoked paprika and chili powder: If you like a smoky, spicy depth, this combo really amps it up.
- Blend in fresh carrots or roasted sweet potatoes: To add natural sweetness and more nutrients.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 5 minutes or until the onions turn translucent and soft. This step sets the foundation for the entire soup, so don’t rush. You want those onions sweet and tender, not burnt.
Step 2: Boost the Tomato Goodness
Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the onion and garlic for another 2-3 minutes. This small step intensifies the tomato flavor and creates a rich, slightly caramelized base. Then toss in your dried oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil. Let them mingle and bloom for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer
Pour in both cans of tomatoes along with your non-dairy milk, then stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the soup to reduce slightly, thickening the base naturally.
Step 4: Blend with White Beans for Creaminess
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender, adding in the drained and rinsed white beans. Start blending on the lowest speed and keep the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape—this prevents pressure build-up from the hot soup. Blend until smooth and velvety. The beans are the secret to that creamy texture you’ll fall in love with.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Pour your creamy tomato soup into bowls and serve it up right away. I like topping mine with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of black pepper. Trust me, once you taste this, your family will go crazy for it too.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
- Use High-Quality Canned Tomatoes: I learned that using whole peeled tomatoes with no additives makes the soup taste less processed and more fresh.
- Blend Gradually for Safety: Always start your blender on low speed and keep the lid slightly ajar to avoid hot soup explosions.
- Don’t Skip the Beans: Adding white beans isn’t just for nutrition; they transform the soup’s texture without changing the flavor.
- Season at the End if Needed: After blending, taste your soup and adjust salt or spices incrementally to get it just right.
How to Serve Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my soup with fresh basil leaves because they brighten the whole bowl, but a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or even roasted pumpkin seeds add a lovely touch. Sometimes, I toss in a swirl of cashew cream for an extra cozy feel.
Side Dishes
A classic grilled vegan cheese sandwich pairs beautifully for dipping, or try some crusty sourdough bread to mop up every last drop. For something a little lighter, a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—your guests will absolutely love the edible container vibe! You can also layer the soup with a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of chili oil for a gourmet effect even on a casual night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Before storing, I let it cool to room temperature to avoid sogginess or condensation inside the container.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. I pour portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it still tastes fresh and creamy.
Reheating
I reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often until warmed through to avoid burning or thickening too much. You can add a splash of non-dairy milk if it seems a little too thick after reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe?
You absolutely can! If you use fresh, aim for ripe roma or plum tomatoes and roast or simmer them down to concentrate their flavor. Keep in mind it might take a bit longer to cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly since fresh tomatoes vary in acidity.
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What kind of non-dairy milk works best in this soup?
I recommend unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk because they’re mild and creamy. Avoid flavored or sweetened milks, as they can alter the soup’s savory profile.
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How can I make this soup spicier?
Easy! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. You can also top with a drizzle of chili oil or fresh chopped jalapeños if you want that fresh heat.
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Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It keeps well refrigerated for several days and freezes nicely without losing its creamy texture, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe comes together so effortlessly yet delivers on comfort and richness. When I first tried adding white beans, I was skeptical, but it totally changed the game away from watery tomato broths to something lush and satisfying. You’ll enjoy how versatile and forgiving it is, making it a staple in my kitchen — and I hope it will be in yours, too. Grab your ingredients, dive in, and get ready to savor a bowl of cozy, plant-powered goodness you’ll crave again and again.
PrintCreamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy vegan tomato soup combines whole and diced tomatoes with white beans and fresh herbs to create a rich, comforting, and protein-packed meal. With simple ingredients and a smooth texture achieved through blending, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dairy-free soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
Tomato Products
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cooked small white beans (cannellini beans recommended), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to a pot with the olive oil. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor and caramelize slightly.
- Season the base: Mix in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil. Sauté for 2 minutes to allow the spices and herbs to release their aromas.
- Add tomatoes and milk: Pour in both cans of tomatoes (whole and diced) along with the non-dairy milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the hot soup to a blender. Add the drained and rinsed white beans. Start blending at the lowest speed with the blender lid slightly ajar to release steam. Blend until the soup is completely smooth and creamy.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the blended soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- This soup is ideal for cold winter days and serves as a comforting, nourishing meal.
- Using white beans increases the protein content, making the soup more filling.
- The recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, but can be adapted with any non-dairy milk to suit your preference.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3.3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg