Last Thanksgiving, facing a quiet holiday at home, we decided to forgo the traditional turkey feast and opt for an elegant, simple dinner. Grilled lobster tails were on the menu, alongside a fresh salad and soft rolls. The only thing missing was the perfect soup to start our meal. That’s when I remembered a recipe I had been eager to try: the Pioneer Woman’s Sherried Tomato Soup. Described as more of a bisque, this Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup recipe promised a creamy, rich flavor that was both quick to make and sophisticated. It turned out to be an absolute revelation – my new favorite tomato soup!
What makes this Pioneer Woman tomato soup truly special is its versatility. While it perfectly complements a luxurious dish like grilled lobster, it’s equally delightful with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. In our home, soup is always a first course, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly. We followed the original, more indulgent version from The Pioneer Woman, as it was a special occasion. However, the recipe is also easily adaptable for a lighter take, which I’m already planning for our next cozy soup night.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup ingredients: canned tomatoes, tomato juice, and spices
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman tomato soup lies in its simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how fabulous it tastes, even when using pantry staples like canned tomatoes and tomato juice. The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Sautéing diced onions in butter in a pan for Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup
The first step is to sauté diced onions in butter until they become translucent and fragrant. This simple step builds a flavorful base for the entire soup.
Adding canned tomatoes, tomato juice, and seasonings to the sautéed onions for Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup
Next, you’ll add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato juice, chicken base, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a near boil. Then, simply turn off the heat and let the flavors meld.
Stirring in sherry and cream into the tomato soup base for Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup
The magic happens when you stir in the sherry and cream. These two ingredients elevate the soup from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a velvety smooth texture and a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.
Garnishing Pioneer Woman Tomato Soup with fresh parsley and basil
Finally, stir in fresh parsley and basil to taste, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and serve. The fresh herbs add a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the richness of the tomato and cream.
Pioneer Woman’s Sherried Tomato Soup Recipe
Pioneer Woman Sherried Tomato Soup in a bowl, garnished with herbs
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter (or light margarine)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 46 oz tomato juice
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 3 tablespoons sugar (or no-calorie sweetener)
- 1 pinch salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooking sherry
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato juice, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken base, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and turn off.
- Stir in cooking sherry and heavy cream (or half-and-half).
- Add fresh parsley and basil to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting Pioneer Woman tomato soup!
Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated first course or a comforting meal on a chilly day, this Pioneer Woman tomato soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Its creamy texture, rich tomato flavor, and hint of sherry make it a truly special dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Give this delightful recipe a try and experience the comforting elegance of Pioneer Woman’s sherried tomato soup.
