LunchEasyGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Smooth Tomato Soup

Velvety tomato soup with acidity mellowed by long simmering and strained completely smooth. Straining removes seeds and skins for a gentler texture during remission.

Smooth Tomato Soup
Total Time
35m
Servings
4
Calories
145
Fiber
3g
Protein
3g
Carbs
18g
Fat
8g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
RecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

tomatoesmoderate

Acidic and a nightshade vegetable. May irritate inflamed tissue or aggravate acid reflux.

Tip: Simmer longer (30+ minutes) to reduce acidity, add pinch of baking soda, or substitute butternut squash soup during flares

tomatoesmild

Nightshade vegetable with alkaloids that some IBD patients find triggering

Tip: Straining removes skins and seeds; if nightshade-sensitive, avoid during flares

black peppermild

May irritate sensitive stomachs during active inflammation

Tip: Reduce or omit entirely

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Heat the garlic-infused oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

    Equipment: large pot
  2. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, breaking up the whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon into rough chunks.

    Equipment: wooden spoon
  3. Stir in the broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil until combined.

  4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the acidity softens.

    Tip: Longer simmering reduces acidity—extend to 30 minutes if you're acid-sensitive
  5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes to prevent hot splattering when blending.

  6. Working in batches if needed, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and velvety.

    Equipment: blender
    Tip: If using an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot
  7. Set a fine-mesh sieve over the pot and pour the blended soup through. Use a spatula to press it through, catching any remaining seeds or skin fragments.

    Equipment: fine-mesh sieve, spatula
  8. Return the strained soup to medium-low heat and warm through for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a swirl of coconut cream or lactose-free cream and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently—tomato soup scorches easily.

Don't skip straining

This step removes seeds and tough skin fragments that can mechanically irritate the digestive tract. The extra 2 minutes makes the soup noticeably gentler.

Sugar balances acidity

The small amount of sugar neutralizes tomato acidity without making the soup sweet. For additional acidity reduction, add 1/8 teaspoon baking soda.

Tomato selection

Whole peeled tomatoes are higher quality and less processed than diced, with better flavor and smoother texture for blending. San Marzano varieties are excellent.

Dairy-free cream options

Coconut cream (chilled can, thick part only) or cashew cream work beautifully. For dairy tolerance, lactose-free heavy cream is gentler than regular cream.

Make it heartier

Pair with white sourdough toast or a simple grilled cheese made with aged cheddar (lower lactose) for added protein and calories.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches