Grandmother’s Tomato Potato Soup is a simple, old-fashioned family recipe made with pantry ingredients. Creamy, comforting, and ready in about 20 minutes, it can be served chunky or blended smooth.
Melt butter in a soup pot or Dutch Oven. Then, sauté the onion until softened. Add the garlic and saute another minute.
Into the pot, add the chopped potatoes and water. Bring to a boil,then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are softened, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes and baking soda and simmer for 1-2 minutes more. The baking soda will foam in the pot.
Stir in the evaporated milk and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can serve the soup chunky or pureed in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Serve hot.
Serving
You can serve the soup chunky or for a smooth consistency, puree using an immersion blender or standard blender, until smooth and creamy. I like to serve with freshly cracked pepper on top and shredded Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food!
Notes
Baking soda: The baking soda may cause the soup to foam briefly — this is normal and helps neutralize tomato acidity.
Do not boil after adding milk: Once the evaporated milk is added, keep the heat gentle to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Chunky or smooth: This soup can be served just as it is, or blended until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender.
Potato choice: Russet potatoes create a slightly thicker soup, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a bit more.
Season at the end: Salt and pepper are best added after the soup is finished, as tomatoes can concentrate flavors while simmering.
Serving suggestion: Delicious served with crusty bread, toast, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
Storing the soup: Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.