If you’re searching for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s wonderfully simple, combining the rich acidity of crushed tomatoes with tender rice and aromatic herbs to create a soup that’s both hearty and light. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a quick yet satisfying meal, this soup offers vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe lies in its humble yet vital ingredients. Each element plays a key role, from the olive oil that starts the flavor base to the fresh parsley that finishes it with brightness. These are ingredients you probably have on hand, but together they transform into something truly special.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that softens as it cooks, creating a savory foundation.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a bit of zest that perks up the soup.
- Can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz): The star ingredient, delivering bright, tangy tomato goodness with a smooth texture.
- Vegetable broth: Gives the soup body and helps marry all the flavors into a juicy, comforting blend.
- Cooked white rice: Adds satisfying heartiness and a pleasant bite that makes the soup more filling.
- Dried basil: Introduces an herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors throughout.
- Sugar: Cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly rounded taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous lift just before serving.
How to Make Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add your finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook it for just another minute; you want to wake up those flavors without burning the garlic’s delicate aroma.
Step 2: Add tomatoes and broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes straight from the can and then add your vegetable broth. This combination forms the rich tomato base that will become the soul of your soup. Stir everything together well to blend the tomato’s robust tang with the savory broth.
Step 3: Season the soup
Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. The basil gives the soup its herbaceous earthiness, while the sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a smooth, harmonious flavor. Give it a good stir to distribute all these seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Simmer to marry flavors
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This part is crucial because it allows all of those bold flavors to meld together, making each spoonful deeply satisfying.
Step 5: Add the cooked rice
Finally, stir in the cooked white rice and heat the soup through for another 5 minutes. The rice absorbs some of that luscious tomato broth and adds a comforting texture that turns this soup into a meal in itself.
Step 6: Final adjustments
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference. Once it’s just right, you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving instantly brightens up the entire bowl with its vivid green color and fresh herbal notes. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper to finish it off with a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Rice Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its flavor without overpowering it. Warm crusty bread or garlic toasts are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of soup. A crisp mixed green salad also works wonderfully to add contrast and extra freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this soup in charming rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty twist. You might also try topping individual servings with a spoonful of crème fraîche or grated Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer it to an airtight container, and you’ll have a quick and comforting meal ready whenever you need it. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some soup for a longer period, this Tomato Rice Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop to prevent the rice from overcooking or the soup from burning. Stir occasionally, and if it thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore its lovely soup-like consistency.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked beforehand since the soup doesn’t cook the rice further for very long.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
This Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is naturally vegan since it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, so no adjustments are necessary!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
You can, but fresh tomatoes may require a bit more cooking time to break down and create that smooth texture. Blending them beforehand helps achieve the best consistency.
How do I make the soup spicier?
To add a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the soup. Start with a little and adjust to suit your heat preference.
What can I add to boost the protein content?
Stir in cooked beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, or top the soup with a dollop of plain yogurt or shredded cheese for extra protein and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Rice Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for a reason: it’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with comforting flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, turning simple ingredients into a bowl of pure deliciousness that warms your heart and soul. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your favorite too!
Print
Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Tomato Rice Soup combines savory crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender cooked rice in a flavorful vegetable broth. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make soup perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Additional
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil. Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before adding any ingredients.
- Sauté the onion and garlic. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and broth. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Season the soup. Stir in the dried basil, salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the flavors.
- Simmer the soup. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the cooked rice. Add the cooked white rice to the pot and heat through for another 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is fully warmed and integrated into the soup.
- Finish and serve. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil if available for enhanced flavor.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste if desired.
