High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and energizing bowl of soup, you’ve got to try this High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe. It’s not your average tomato soup—packed with protein, easy to make, and perfect for cozying up on any day. I’ve been making this recipe for years and honestly, it’s a game-changer when I want something nutritious but still totally comforting. Stick around and I’ll walk you through all my tips to make sure your soup comes out smooth, flavorful, and nourishing every single time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Protein Powerhouse: Adding cottage cheese boosts protein without changing texture or flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for big, fresh flavor.
- Balanced Flavor: Sugar and dried basil round out the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Creamy Texture: Blending with cottage cheese gives creamy richness without cream or dairy heaviness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe has purpose, from building flavor depth to adding nutrition that satisfies. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s worth grabbing quality versions—especially your canned tomatoes and vegetable broth for richer taste.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil gives a smooth base and enhances the aromatics.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and body when sautéed just right.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for pulling out and balancing all the flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that comforting warmth you expect in tomato soup.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, giving a deeper, richer soup.
- Dried Basil: Adds that classic herby note without overpowering.
- Sugar: Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes for smooth taste.
- Canned Whole Tomatoes: Use good-quality tomatoes — the star of the show! Their juices help flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds savory depth, choose low sodium to control saltiness.
- Cottage Cheese (2% MF): The secret ingredient for boosting protein and adding creamy texture without heaviness.
- Pepper: Freshly ground gives a touch of spice at the end.
- Parmesan and Basil (Optional): Perfect garnishes when you want that extra touch of flavor and freshness.
Tweak to Your Taste
This High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe is absolutely flexible—I’ve played around with it a lot depending on the season and what’s in my pantry, and you should too! It’s all about making it yours by adjusting herbs, swapping broth types, or picking your favorite protein add-in.
- Variation: I like to swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt sometimes, especially when I want a tangier flavor and a little less fat.
- Herb Swap: Fresh thyme works wonderfully in place of basil when you want a woodsy twist.
- Heat It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth without overpowering, especially on chilly days.
- Make It Vegan: Try silken tofu blended in place of cottage cheese—it boosts protein and keeps it creamy while staying plant-based.
Step-by-Step: How I Make High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté onions and garlic with love
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot—you want it warm but not smoking. Toss in your diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. The aroma here sets the stage for everything, so take your time. Add minced garlic and cook it just for another minute—watch closely so it doesn’t burn, garlic can get bitter fast!
Step 2: Layer in the flavors
Sprinkle in the kosher salt then add the tomato paste, stirring it around for a minute to deepen its flavor—this little step amps up the richness. Stir in the dried basil and sugar, blending everything well before adding your canned whole tomatoes with their juices. Deglaze the pot with a splash of vegetable broth to get all those tasty bits off the bottom if needed.
Step 3: Simmer gently
Pour in the rest of the vegetable broth, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally—this helps build that deep, comforting flavor. At this point, feel free to taste and add more salt if you think it needs it.
Step 4: Blend with protein-packed cottage cheese
This is the magic step. Carefully transfer your soup into a blender in batches—don’t fill it to the top. I always remove the center piece of my blender lid and cover the gap with a linen napkin to let steam escape safely. Add cottage cheese to each batch, then blend until smooth and creamy. You’ll love how this gives the soup body and protein without cream or heaviness.
Step 5: Final touches and serve
Pour the blended soup back into the pot and heat through if needed. Give it a final taste and adjust pepper or salt. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a bit of cracked black pepper for that extra punch.
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe
- Use Quality Tomatoes: The canned whole tomatoes really shine here—opt for ones packed in juice, not puree, for better texture.
- Be Careful When Blending Hot Soup: Always vent your blender lid to avoid pressure buildup—steaming hot soup can be dangerous otherwise.
- Adjust Sweetness Mindfully: Sugar balances acidity, but add it gradually to avoid an overly sweet soup.
- Don’t Skip the Deglazing: It helps grab all the tasty caramelized bits—flavor boosters that get lost otherwise.
How to Serve High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always go for a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves—it adds a lovely savory finish and some fresh herbiness. A twist of cracked black pepper on top finishes it off beautifully. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil makes it silky and indulgent.
Side Dishes
My favorite pairing is a warm, crusty piece of sourdough bread or garlic bread for dunking. If you want something heartier, a simple grilled chicken breast or a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette rounds it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving this soup in mini pumpkin bowls or rustic pottery cups with a basil sprig tucked in the side. It instantly elevates the vibe and shows you put in some love and thought.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover High Protein Tomato Soup in airtight glass containers in the fridge, and it’s good for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen slightly overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. When defrosted, it keeps its creamy texture amazingly well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent it from scorching or forming a skin on top. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen it up if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I make this High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe without a blender?
While blending is key for the creamy texture of this soup, if you don’t have a blender, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot. Just be sure to blend carefully in batches and stop occasionally to avoid splatters. If you can’t blend at all, the texture will be chunkier, which might be nice if you enjoy rustic soups but won’t have the same smooth creaminess.
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Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt or silken tofu are great alternatives that maintain the protein boost and creaminess. Just be mindful that yogurt can add a tang, while tofu is more neutral but blends super smooth.
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Is this soup suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, swap the cottage cheese for silken tofu or a plant-based cream substitute. Just make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, too.
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How do I prevent the soup from tasting too acidic?
The addition of sugar and the slow simmering help balance acidity. Also, using high-quality canned tomatoes and not overcooking helps keep a fresh, sweet tomato flavor.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe has become my go-to comfort food that’s actually good for me. The creamy texture from cottage cheese surprises people every time, and I love how it fills me up without being heavy. I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—plus it’s easy enough to tweak depending on how you feel or what’s in your fridge. So grab your pot, some canned tomatoes, and let’s make soup that’s both hearty and healthy, friend.
Print
High Protein Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and nutritious high protein tomato soup made with fresh ingredients and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cans (28 oz each) canned whole tomatoes
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
Protein and Garnishes
- 1½ cups cottage cheese, 2% milk fat
- pepper, to taste
- parmesan, optional garnish
- basil, optional garnish
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Onions: Add olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add kosher salt and deglaze the pot with a splash of vegetable broth if the bottom is browned.
- Add Tomato Paste and Herbs: Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add sugar and dried basil, stirring everything together.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned whole tomatoes with their liquid and the vegetable broth. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt to taste at this stage.
- Blend Soup with Cottage Cheese: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Add cottage cheese to each batch and blend until smooth. Make sure to vent the blender lid to allow steam to escape safely.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour blended soup back into the pot if desired, season with pepper, and serve hot. Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil if using.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine sieve after blending.
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt level.
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess and boosts protein; swap with Greek yogurt for a different flavor.
- If you don’t have dried basil, fresh basil can be added at the end for garnish.
- To speed up cooking, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, blending in batches carefully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
