One-Pot Tomato Instant Pot Soup: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

Tired of slaving over the stove for a comforting bowl of tomato soup? Look no further! This one-pot tomato soup recipe, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot, is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s quick, easy, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a rich, flavorful soup that the whole family will love. This recipe is also easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Make it vegan, vegetarian, or add some protein for a heartier meal.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tomato Soup

This isn’t your average canned soup. Here’s why this Instant Pot version will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Speed and Convenience: The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time. Say goodbye to hours of simmering!
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in one pot, from sautéing the vegetables to pressure cooking the soup.
• Rich Flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies the flavors, resulting in a deep, satisfying tomato taste.
• Versatility: Easily customize the recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, and add-ins.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this soup is a cost-effective and healthy meal option.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Crafting the Perfect Instant Pot Tomato Soup

The key to a truly exceptional Instant Pot tomato soup lies in a few simple techniques and high-quality ingredients.

Choosing Your Tomatoes

The foundation of any good tomato soup is, of course, the tomatoes. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These are a convenient and reliable choice, providing consistent flavor and texture. Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smokiness.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: These create a smoother, creamier base for your soup.
• Fresh Tomatoes: While requiring a bit more work (peeling and chopping), fresh tomatoes offer the most vibrant flavor, especially when in season. Roma or plum tomatoes are excellent choices. If using fresh tomatoes, roast them in the oven with garlic and olive oil first to deepen their flavor.
• Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste adds richness and depth to the overall flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Flavor

Beyond the tomatoes, a few key ingredients elevate this soup to the next level:

• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and celery form the flavor base of the soup. Sautéing them before pressure cooking releases their aromas and adds depth.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup. You can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs add complexity and fragrance. Basil, oregano, and thyme are classic choices for tomato soup.
• Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
• Sugar (Optional): A small amount of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this incredible soup:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, chopped onion, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes (if using), vegetable broth, tomato paste, herbs, spices, and sugar (if using).

3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual/pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

4. Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

5. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches.

6. Finish and Serve: Stir in heavy cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roast other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini alongside the tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
• Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for a boost of vitamins.
• Cheese: Top with shredded Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or goat cheese for extra flavor.
• Croutons: Add homemade or store-bought croutons for a satisfying crunch.
• Pesto: A swirl of pesto adds a burst of fresh flavor.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegan: Omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream. Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serving and Storing Your Tomato Soup

This Instant Pot tomato soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing!
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping in the soup.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Quesadillas: A fun and flavorful addition to your meal.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Troubleshooting Your Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Burn Notice: If you get a burn notice on your Instant Pot, it means the food is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Try adding more liquid or deglazing the pot by scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon after sautéing the vegetables.
• Soup is Too Thick: Add more broth or water to thin the soup to your desired consistency.
• Soup is Too Thin: Simmer the soup on the sauté function for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup.
• Soup is Too Acidic: Add a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity. You can also add a small amount of baking soda, but be careful, as it can cause the soup to foam up.

FAQs About Instant Pot Tomato Soup

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can! Use about 2-3 pounds of fresh Roma or plum tomatoes. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Roasting the tomatoes beforehand will enhance their flavor.

• Can I make this soup vegan? Absolutely! Omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk or cashew cream. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

• How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot? The soup takes about 10 minutes to cook at high pressure, plus the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release pressure.

• Do I need to peel the tomatoes? If using canned diced tomatoes, you don’t need to peel them. If using fresh tomatoes, it’s best to peel them before adding them to the soup. You can easily peel tomatoes by scoring the bottom with an X, blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, and then plunging them into ice water. The skins should slip right off.

• Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers are all great additions.

• Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes, you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.

• Can I use an immersion blender or do I need a regular blender? An immersion blender is the easiest and most convenient way to blend the soup. However, you can also use a regular blender. Be sure to blend the soup in batches to avoid overflow.