3-Ingredient Tomato Soup: Simple & Delicious Recipe

The three essential ingredients for perfect tomato soup are canned whole tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. This minimalist recipe creates a rich, flavorful soup in just 25 minutes with no additional thickeners, cream, or complex seasonings required. The magic happens through proper technique rather than ingredient quantity.

Creating exceptional tomato soup with only three ingredients might seem impossible, but this streamlined approach proves that simplicity often yields the most authentic flavors. Professional chefs frequently rely on minimal ingredient lists to showcase the natural quality of core components. When you reduce distractions in a recipe, each element must perform exceptionally well, resulting in a cleaner, more focused taste profile that highlights the inherent sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes.

Why Three Ingredients Work for Tomato Soup

The success of this minimalist approach depends on understanding culinary fundamentals. Quality canned tomatoes already contain tomatoes, tomato juice, and calcium chloride (a natural firming agent). By selecting premium whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice rather than puree or crushed varieties, you gain better texture control. Olive oil provides richness and helps extract fat-soluble flavor compounds, while salt enhances natural sweetness and balances acidity. This trio creates a complete flavor foundation without needing onions, garlic, or herbs that often mask rather than enhance tomato flavor.

The Complete 3-Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe

This easy 3 ingredient tomato soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with remarkable simplicity. The key is technique rather than additional components.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
5 minutes	20 minutes	25 minutes	2 servings

Ingredients

• 28 ounces (794g) high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons (9g) fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain tomatoes, reserving all liquid. Chop tomatoes roughly and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
3. Add reserved tomato liquid and simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and salt, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Selection Matters

When working with minimal components, quality becomes paramount. For the best simple homemade tomato soup with few ingredients:

• Canned tomatoes: Choose San Marzano or other DOP-certified varieties packed in juice rather than puree. The whole tomatoes maintain better texture during cooking.
• Olive oil: Use a fruity extra-virgin variety that you'd enjoy on bread. Its flavor will shine through without competing elements.
• Salt: Fine sea salt dissolves more evenly than coarse varieties, ensuring consistent seasoning throughout the soup.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

With basic tomato soup recipe with only 3 items, technique compensates for limited ingredients:

• Don't skip draining: Removing excess liquid initially prevents watery soup, then reintroducing the liquid allows controlled reduction.
• Maintain medium heat: High heat causes tomatoes to break down too quickly, creating uneven texture.
• Resist adding water: The natural tomato liquid contains essential flavor compounds that water would dilute.
• Allow proper resting time: The soup continues to thicken slightly off heat as pectin sets.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Impact

Though minimal, this healthy 3 ingredient tomato soup becomes extraordinary with thoughtful presentation:

• Drizzle additional high-quality olive oil on serving for brightness
• Add freshly cracked black pepper at the table for aromatic complexity
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping to enhance the dining experience
• Consider a small basil leaf garnish if available (technically a 4th ingredient but optional)

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

This quick tomato soup with pantry staples stores exceptionally well:

• Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed for desired consistency
• Avoid boiling when reheating to preserve fresh tomato flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup without olive oil?

While olive oil contributes significantly to flavor and texture, you can substitute an equal amount of avocado oil for similar results. Avoid neutral oils like canola that won't enhance the tomato flavor. The soup will lack richness without some form of fat.

Why doesn't this recipe include onions or garlic?

Traditional tomato soup recipes often use aromatics to build flavor, but this minimalist approach showcases the pure tomato taste. Onions and garlic can overpower the delicate balance of sweet and acidic notes in quality tomatoes. When working with limited ingredients, each component must shine.

How can I thicken the soup without adding ingredients?

The natural pectin in tomatoes thickens the soup during simmering. For optimal texture, simmer uncovered for the full 15 minutes after adding tomatoes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Letting the soup rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving also improves consistency as the pectin sets.

Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of whole peeled?

Whole peeled tomatoes provide superior texture for this minimalist recipe. Crushed tomatoes often contain additives like calcium chloride and citric acid that alter flavor balance. The larger pieces break down gradually during cooking, creating a more complex texture than pre-crushed varieties.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

Yes, this basic tomato soup recipe with only 3 items is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It contains no common allergens and fits most dietary requirements without modification. The simplicity makes it ideal for sensitive diets where additional ingredients might cause issues.