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Easy Thermos Creamy Tomato Soup for School Lunches

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This creamy tomato soup is thick enough to stay put in a thermos, smooth enough for picky eaters, and stays piping hot until lunchtime. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a comforting lunch that kids love and parents can feel good about.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add the sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the pot from heat. Let cool for about 2 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend until completely smooth. (Alternatively, let cool 5 minutes, then blend in batches in a regular blender.)
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Preheat the thermos by filling it with boiling water, screwing on the lid, and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Pour out the water just before adding the soup.
  8. Ladle the hot soup directly into the preheated thermos, filling to the top. Screw the lid on tightly.
  9. Wrap the thermos in a clean kitchen towel or place it in an insulated lunch bag to help maintain temperature.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, use full-fat heavy cream. Preheat the thermos with boiling water for 5 minutes before adding soup to keep it hot for 4-5 hours. Add cream at the very end to prevent curdling. Soup can be made the night before and reheated; flavors improve overnight. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato soup, thermos soup, school lunch, easy tomato soup, kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, gluten-free

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-thermos-creamy-tomato-soup-for-school-lunches/