Make Tomato Soup Even Creamier With This Protein-Packed Ingredient

What's better than a warm bowl of tomato soup? In our opinion, not much. Still, even a great one can be improved, whether you're making our tomato soup recipe from scratch with roasted tomatoes, olive oil, stock, aromatics, and seasonings, or picking up a can from the grocery store. For a thicker, creamier, more balanced soup with a bit of tangy flavor and extra protein, try adding Greek yogurt.

Tomatoes are inherently acidic in their raw form, but many soup recipes call for the tomatoes to be roasted in the oven. When they are roasted, their natural sugars caramelize from the heat. This produces a sweeter flavor in the finished dish and the tomatoes lose some of their acidity. Adding Greek yogurt can reintroduce some of this tanginess, creating a balanced flavor profile. Greek yogurt also makes your finished soup more decadent due to its creamy nature, while still being nutritious. When adding the yogurt, use an immersion blender to fully incorporate the ingredient into the soup. It will fulfill the same function as heavy cream, with only a slight tangy difference in taste and more protein.

The average serving of nonfat Greek yogurt (¾ cups) contains 19 grams of protein, and it's an all-around better option than other protein sources. Adding other ingredients like bacon, ground beef, or Italian sausage requires more effort and changes the overall texture. Tomato soup with meat may be more reminiscent of Hamburger Helper, minus the pasta. Greek yogurt allows you to still prioritize your protein needs while keeping your tomato soup as close to the original recipe as possible.

Greek yogurt isn't the only way to buff up your tomato soup. Why not turn it into a whole meal? When someone thinks of "tomato soup," they probably think of a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This classic pairing can make your meal more filling, going beyond the simple bowl of soup. To add more flavor to this duo and level up your grilled cheese sandwich, consider toasting the bread with garlic butter instead of oil.

Adding navy or white beans before you blend your soup is another great way to up the protein. These neutral-flavored beans won't impact the taste much, and they blend down incredibly smoothly into the finished soup. For vegetarians especially, this is a great way to implement more nutrients.

When it comes to toppings, there are plenty of options. You can choose to serve your enhanced tomato soup with homemade croutons and a swirl of heavy cream for added texture and heartiness. If you prefer a lighter meal, pair your soup with oyster crackers or saltines instead. This adds texture, while the saltiness of the crackers will nicely complement the sweetness and creaminess of the soup. Adding freshly chopped basil as a garnish is another light addition. Its bright, herbaceous flavor will cut through the richness of the Greek yogurt nicely. However you like your tomato soup, take it up a notch with this creamy addition, and maybe a few others.