Tomato Feta Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 pounds (900 g) ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance acidity)
- 7 ounces (200 g) feta cheese, divided
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnishes
- Extra crumbled feta
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil drizzle
- Croutons
- Toasted pine nuts
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Blender or immersion blender
- Large soup pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Arrange the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Oregano
- Basil
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Step 2: Transfer to a Pot
Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables and all of their juices into a large soup pot.
Add:
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Honey (if using)
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from the heat.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth.
Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender, taking care when working with hot liquids.
Return the blended soup to the pot if needed.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Crumble 5 ounces (about 140 g) of the feta cheese into the soup.
Stir until the cheese softens and partially melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture with a subtle tang.
If you prefer an extra-smooth consistency, blend briefly once more after adding the feta.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir in the heavy cream if desired for added richness.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Simmer gently for another 3–5 minutes, avoiding a vigorous boil to keep the feta creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
Top each serving with:
- Remaining crumbled feta
- Fresh basil
- Chopped parsley
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Tomato Feta Soup
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
- Roasting the vegetables adds natural sweetness and depth.
- Choose a high-quality block of feta packed in brine for the creamiest texture.
- Blend thoroughly for a silky-smooth soup.
- If your tomatoes are especially acidic, a small amount of honey helps balance the flavor.
- Add cream only at the end to maintain a smooth consistency.
Recipe Variations
Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Feta Soup
Add two roasted red peppers before blending for extra sweetness and color.
Spicy Tomato Feta Soup
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the roasting pan.
Creamy Mediterranean Version
Blend in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Herb Garden Soup
Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill along with the basil for a more aromatic finish.
Protein-Packed Soup
Serve the soup with shredded rotisserie chicken or roasted chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Storage
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
The flavors become even more developed after a day of resting.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze the soup (without the cream, if possible) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
If using cream, stir it in after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Stovetop
Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Avoid boiling, as excessive heat may affect the texture of the feta.
Microwave
Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Feta Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Garlic bread
- Toasted sourdough
- Mediterranean salad
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cheese toast
- Bruschetta
- Herb focaccia
- Homemade croutons
For beverages, enjoy with:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Fresh iced tea
- Homemade lemonade
- Chilled cucumber water
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture without being overly heavy
- Fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors
- Easy one-pot meal
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally vegetarian
- Great use for ripe tomatoes
- Customizable with herbs and spices
- Ready in about one hour
- Pairs well with many side dishes
- Comforting and satisfying in every season
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Potassium: 680 mg
- Calcium: 220 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV