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How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup from Tomato Juice

This recipe is kind of special to my dear hubby and me because of fond memories of cooking with his mother. So, I asked him to help me write this post to tell his story about learning to cook while making this delicious homemade creamy tomato soup made from tomato juice, baking soda, a little butter, some milk, and a little salt and pepper.

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Learning How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup from Tomato Juice

As dear hubby told me his story about making tomato soup with his mother, I could not help but giggle. With a young child’s eyes and excitement about this recipe, I pictured him as a little boy again. Please note that this story and the writing of this post is mostly his. It is written only with a bit of help from me, and I could not have told the story any better!

Bowl of homemade tomato juice on a plate with crackers and an egg salad sandwich

ABOUT THIS RECIPE (per serving)

Gluten Free
Servings:  4
AVG. Maker RATING: 
4.45 from 61 votes
Write a Recipe Review
Prep Time :5 minutes
Cook Time :10 minutes
Total Time :15 minutes
Course : Dinner, Lunch, Soup, Starter
Cuisine : American
Diet : Gluten Free
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Calories 167
Fat 10.5
Carbohydrates 14.4
Protein 6

A Homemade Tomato Soup Story

As a kid growing up in central lower Michigan, I have fond memories of helping my mother make homemade tomato soup.  For me, you see, it was a chance to bond with my mother and create a creamy, delicious soup for lunch that was simple and easy to make.  With ingredients we always had on hand, tomato juice, baking soda, a little butter, and some milk, we could have excellent creamy soup in minutes to eat with egg salad or even a grilled cheese sandwich.

My job was stirring the simmering tomato juice while my mother slowly added the baking soda.  Now comes the science experiment.  If you have ever added baking soda to a dish of vinegar, you know that it violently erupts! 

These two simple items have been used for years by teachers to demonstrate acids and bases’ interaction.  You learn that acids have a low pH, and bases have a high pH.  When combined, there is a “must be witnessed to appreciate spectacular reaction” that occurs.  You can even use it to make volcanos that inspire a “do it again” plea from a little brother or sister.

How to Make #HomemadeTomatoSoup from #TomatoJuice Try this #GlutenFree #Healthy #Soup #Recipe

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So back to the soup.

And why you need to add baking soda...

Tomato juice naturally is acidic, so when adding the baking soda, it foams up in the pan. Note, to take care to use a high-sided pan to keep up with the foam rising, and add the baking soda slowly, constantly stirring as you do it.

My mother never measured anything ‘cause well, she was just that good.

The reason to use baking soda is to neutralize the acid in the tomato juice to prevent the milk from curdling when you add it in the final step.

Nobody wants to eat soup that has curds floating in it. The ratio of juice to baking soda is most critical because too little means that you will have curds, and too much will leave a soda-y taste.

As an adult, I have made this delicious soup many times and always need to measure the baking soda to prevent the less than satisfactory results. Depending on the brand of juice used (because all tomato juices have varying acidity levels), I have determined that approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of tomato juice is the perfect amount to add, albeit through trial and error. (See the kitchen notes in the recipe card below.)

I guess I was not as good as my mother, but hey, we can only aspire to be that good.

Once the foam settles with constant stirring, add the butter to the soup and continue to stir. After a couple of minutes, add the milk and a dash of salt and pepper, then continue to heat until ready to serve. This creamy tomato soup will keep in the refrigerator for days, so do not worry if you make too much.

It’s all about what you have on hand.

Many homemade tomato soup variations will include using heavy cream for more creamy richness or adding basil for a tasty tomato basil soup. But it all depends on what you have in your pantry when you are making it.

This homemade tomato soup using tomato juice is very affordable at less than half the canned soup cost. Shucks, when I was a kid, I did not even know they made canned tomato soup. For me, it was a secret recipe that my mother had in her head. A recipe that she probably came by from her mother.

Wherever it came from, please give it a try, and see if it becomes your “Secret Recipe.”

Picture how to make homemade tomato soup from tomato juice step-by-step...

In a mood for soup? Check out these "Soup-er" recipes...

We hope you enjoy making this homemade tomato soup recipe and the “Secret Recipe” for it!

Have fun making this easy soup, and maybe even getting a little help from the children at your house!

XXO

Kymberley

P.S. Have you tried this recipe? We would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below, share it, and rate it – it’s super helpful for other readers and us. Just click the blue-green comment bubble on the bottom left of your screen to jump to the comment area below.

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Bowl of homemade tomato juice on a plate with crackers and an egg salad sandwich

How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup from Tomato Juice

Kymberley @GFreeDeliciously
A delicious homemade creamy tomato soup made from tomato juice, baking soda, a little butter, some milk, and a little salt and pepper.
4.45 from 61 votes
Gluten Free
This recipe may contain affiliate links. For more information, visit our Affiliate Disclosure.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup, Starter
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 167 kcal

EQUIPMENT

  • Large Saucepan
  • Utensils (Measuring Cups & Spoons, Whisk or Large Spoon, Ladle)

INGREDIENTS
 
 

  • 4 cups tomato Juice
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda *+/- up to 2 teaspoons of soda. See footnote below.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cups Whole Milk
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INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Add the tomato juice into a large or high-sided saucepan, bringing it to a high-simmer over medium-low heat.
  • Slowly add the baking soda, whisking in a little to a time, constantly stirring as you do it.*
  • When the foam settles with constant stirring, add the butter, continuing to stir until melted. [1]
  • Add the milk and a dash of salt and pepper, continue to simmer until ready to serve.

KITCHEN NOTES

Footnotes:
[1] Tomato juice is naturally acidic, so when adding the baking soda, it foams up in the pan. Note, take care to use a high-sided pan to keep up with the foam rising, and add the baking soda slowly, using only the amount you need and constantly stirring as you do it.
*Always start with a small amount of baking soda, increasing the amount used only enough to neutralize the juice's acidity so that the milk will not curdle. Depending on the juice you use, this could mean using as little as 1/2 teaspoon (and possibly up to 2 teaspoons) of baking soda for the entire recipe.
All tomato juices have different acidity levels. This means that if the tomato juice you use has a low acidity, you will want to use less baking soda. Using more baking soda than is needed to neutralize the juice will give the soup a soda-y taste.
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. This means that if the tomato juice you use is NOT as acidic as most tomato juices, the juice will have a higher pH, resulting in juice that may not require as much soda. It's hard to wrap your head around pH because the lower the acidity, the higher the pH, and the lower the pH number, the higher the acidity.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 14.4gProtein: 6gFat: 10.5gSaturated Fat: 5.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.7gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 27.5mgSodium: 1297.3mgPotassium: 6901mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12.4gVitamin A: 160.6IUVitamin C: 170.3mgVitamin D: 0.2µgCalcium: 163.9mgIron: 1mg
Keyword best tomato soup, Budget Friendly, Creamy tomato soup, Easy tomato soup, Recipes for Beginners, soup, tomato, tomato soup, Tomato soup recipe
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Copyright © 2017-2023 Kymberley Pekrul | GfreeDeliciously | gfreedeliciously.com | All content and photographs are copyright protected. The sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. However, copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please read my Photo Use Policy for detailed guidelines and further clarification.

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Where there's a whisk, there's always a way to enjoy it gluten-free...

Kymberley @gfreedeliciously

Kymberley @gfreedeliciously

Hi, I'm Kymberley, the creator of GfreeDeliciously and the Amazing, Glorious Journey Programs. I pray that my work will inspire you to honor your body through God and Good Food from the inside out, all while enjoying your Amazing, Glorious Journey!

Take a peek at the behind GfreeDeliciously

Being creative, cooking, fresh veggies, the violin, decorating for holidays, sewing, hand-quilting, cowgirl boots, country music, fresh herbs in pots, blowing dandelions to the wind, walking barefoot in the grass, hanging out with eclectic interesting people, reading, writing, warm lazy summer days, and yoga!

Gluten, cilantro, mixed vegetables (the frozen kind I grew up with), negativism, rudeness, narcissism, overstaying a welcome,
not helping out, liars, promiscuity, cockiness, know-it-alls, being overly-dramatic, goal-less-ness, poor hygiene, chauvinism, lacking a sense of humor, excessive competitiveness, Laziness, horrifying spellers, people-bashing, criticism and mockery of others and their beliefs, flakiness (because flaky people are really unappealing), more swagger than substance, people who constantly manage others (those folks who think they have all the answers…)

Lambrusco, my iPad, popcorn suppers, dark chocolate, cookbooks, Almond-Rocca, historical romances, sun-bathing, weekend coffee with a good book in bed, PBS cooking shows, romantic comedies, cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and fragrant bubble baths with soft music and wine…

Say please and thank you, LAUGH, Pray often, ENCOURAGE others, Be KIND, HONEST, HAPPY, Keep your PROMISES, Be GRATEFUL, Wash your hands, FORGIVE yourself and others, LISTEN, Have FAITH, Be CONFIDENT, Honor your parents, CHERISH your children and grandchildren, TREASURE your family, ABIDE in GOD’s love, Be POLITE, Guard your HEART, SEEK your purpose, FEED your mind, body and soul, Be HOPEFUL, Resist temptation, Lay your burdens down, TRUST your gut, CONNECT with nature, Know that GOD made you perfect just the way you are, SERVE others, LIVE to love, Be COURAGEOUS, Shine bright, OPEN your mind, RESPECT differences, HONOR your inner hunger, SING loud, Be PROUD of who you are, Practice PATIENCE, Never give up, WEATHER the storms of life, Say I love you, LOVE one another

  • I’ve traveled to 32 states in the USA where I’ve enjoyed the food, history, people and the local culture while visiting.
  • Among the states, I’ve lived in are Arizona, California, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • My favorite island is Maui.
  • I’ve also been to Canada and Mexico.
  • I rode horses as a kid, and barrel-raced.
  • I broke my neck when I was 18 and went to senior prom in a neck brace.
  • As a little girl, I grew up living next door to my grandma and grandpa on a small lake in rural southern Michigan.
  • The first thing I learned to cook was pancakes.
  • The craziest thing I ever made was mint-flavored green cupcakes when I was 13. My family didn’t like them much…
  •  

Kymberley @gfreedeliciously
Coach | Cook | Creator | Publisher

Meet Kymberley [Upson] Pekrul

A professional writer and self-taught Gfree lifestyle expert on [most] gluten-free things, I’ve always loved cooking and creating delicious foods from scratch for myself and those I love.

My journey began when everything I thought I knew about cooking and eating suddenly changed one day when I discovered I was celiac. So, I re-learned how to eat, cook, and navigate through life gluten-free – trusting God and His plan for me.

I live in what’s known as the Holylands of Central Wisconsin. All the recipes you’ll find here are gluten-free and inspired by the people and places I love most. Whenever possible, I cook with seasonal ingredients using whole foods – Making dishes suitable for everyday life and all food lovers gathered at the same table.

Gfree cooking, health, and wellness ARE my life. And this little corner of the internet is where I share what I’ve learned – Where my passion IS to nourish everyday GfreeDeliciously!

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Simple and delicious gluten-free recipes, family-friendly meal ideas, healthy cooking, encouragement, and easy-to-implement lifestyle strategies to live fully nourished from the creator and publisher of GfreeDeliciously.com Kymberley Pekrul.

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