Tomato Florentine Soup fuses the bright, slightly sweet flavor of tomatoes with the mild earthiness of spinach. It’s essentially a variation of tomato soup that includes spinach—perfect for those craving extra greens. You can think of it as an upgraded tomato soup that delivers more nutrients, extra color, and a bit more body. It’s also easy to scale up or down, so whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, you can adapt it with minimal fuss.
Whether it’s cold outside or you just want something comforting, this easy, quick-to-prepare soup can become your new go-to recipe.
If you’ve never tried a soup with spinach in it, you’ll be surprised how well it fits. The leaves wilt gently into the hot liquid, adding a delicate layer of texture that complements the smooth tomato foundation. Let’s explore each step and see why this dish is so wonderful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Simple
You can have a comforting bowl of Tomato Florentine Soup on the table in under 30 minutes. Most steps involve basic chopping and simmering. - Nutrient-Packed
With tomatoes rich in lycopene and spinach full of vitamins, you get a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber. It’s a guilt-free meal choice. - Budget-Friendly
Canned tomatoes and fresh or frozen spinach are typically affordable. A few aromatics like onion and garlic keep costs low without sacrificing taste. - Flexible for Different Diets
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian soup or chicken broth if you prefer a more savory taste. Either way, it’s easy to adapt. - Great for Leftovers
This soup tastes delicious the next day as flavors meld more. Simply reheat in a pot or microwave for a quick meal or office lunch. - Comforting and Light
Many hearty soups feel heavy, but tomato-based soups remain relatively light. The spinach ensures you get added nutrients without extra heaviness.
Ingredients
Below are the core ingredients you need for a standard batch of Tomato Florentine Soup. Feel free to add or swap to match personal taste:
- Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons)
- For sautéing onion, garlic, or celery.
- For sautéing onion, garlic, or celery.
- Onion (1 small, diced)
- Adds savory depth. Yellow or white onions work well.
- Adds savory depth. Yellow or white onions work well.
- Celery (1–2 stalks, diced) (Optional)
- Provides gentle texture and mild flavor.
- Provides gentle texture and mild flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Brings an aromatic note. Increase or decrease for preference.
- Brings an aromatic note. Increase or decrease for preference.
- Tomatoes
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): Quick and easy for consistent texture.
- (Optional) If you like chunkiness, use diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if in season.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): Quick and easy for consistent texture.
- Broth (4 cups)
- Vegetable or chicken broth. Choose low-sodium if you want to control salt. A mix of water and broth can also work.
- Vegetable or chicken broth. Choose low-sodium if you want to control salt. A mix of water and broth can also work.
- Baby Spinach (2 cups, lightly packed)
- Washed and trimmed. Spinach shrinks as it cooks, so 2 cups might look like a lot but melts right in.
- Washed and trimmed. Spinach shrinks as it cooks, so 2 cups might look like a lot but melts right in.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- A mixture of dried herbs, including basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Or use a personal combination of dried herbs.
- A mixture of dried herbs, including basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Or use a personal combination of dried herbs.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Essential to bring out the best in tomatoes.
- Essential to bring out the best in tomatoes.
- (Optional) Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon)
- For a hint of spice. Skip if you prefer a milder soup.
- For a hint of spice. Skip if you prefer a milder soup.
- (Optional) Sugar (½–1 teaspoon)
- Some add sugar to balance tomato acidity. This is optional and based on personal taste.
- Some add sugar to balance tomato acidity. This is optional and based on personal taste.
- (Optional) Parmesan Cheese (grated, for garnish)
- Adds a salty, nutty finish on top. A drizzle of cream can also make it richer.
- Adds a salty, nutty finish on top. A drizzle of cream can also make it richer.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare Tomato Florentine Soup in about half an hour:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Warm a Pot: Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions and Celery: Add diced onion (and celery if using) and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garlic: Stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Combine Canned Tomatoes: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes if you prefer chunkier consistency).
- Pour Broth: Follow with 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
- Stir: Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Season: Stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt, plus black pepper. If you want subtle sweetness, add ½–1 teaspoon sugar to offset tomato acidity.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Turn the heat to medium-high until you see bubbles.
- Reduce Heat: Lower to a simmer, cover partially, and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together.
- (Optional) Thicken: If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce. If it’s too thick, add water or broth.
Step 4: Add Spinach
- Baby Spinach: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach. The leaves wilt quickly in the hot soup—usually in 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Check for salt, pepper, or additional herbs. If you want a hint of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Enjoy immediately with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or crackers.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Creamy Twist
- If you love creamy soups, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This transforms it into a richer tomato soup.
- If you love creamy soups, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This transforms it into a richer tomato soup.
- Protein Boost
- Add cooked shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or cannellini beans for a heartier meal. Just ensure any proteins are fully cooked before adding them.
- Add cooked shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or cannellini beans for a heartier meal. Just ensure any proteins are fully cooked before adding them.
- Extra Veggies
- Diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can make the soup chunkier and increase the vitamin content. Cook them with onions at the start to soften.
- Diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can make the soup chunkier and increase the vitamin content. Cook them with onions at the start to soften.
- Blend for Smoothness
- If you prefer a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer soup to a blender (in batches) before adding spinach. Then, return it to the pot and stir in the spinach.
- If you prefer a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer soup to a blender (in batches) before adding spinach. Then, return it to the pot and stir in the spinach.
- Make It Vegan
- Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese garnish. You can still get a savory flavor from nutritional yeast or a bit of tahini.
- Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese garnish. You can still get a savory flavor from nutritional yeast or a bit of tahini.
- Spice Adjustments
- Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to your liking. A bit of paprika or cayenne pepper can also give a smoky or hot edge.
- Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to your liking. A bit of paprika or cayenne pepper can also give a smoky or hot edge.
- Storage and Leftovers
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a small amount of water or broth.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a small amount of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Florentine Soup is versatile enough to serve on its own or with multiple sides:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pair your soup with a classic grilled cheese. The hot, melty sandwich dipped in tomato soup is an iconic comfort food duo. - Crusty Bread
A fresh baguette or rustic loaf is perfect for soaking up the tangy broth. Add a little butter or olive oil for extra richness. - Side Salad
If you crave something lighter, toss together a simple green salad with balsamic dressing. The crisp vegetables contrast nicely with the soup’s warm, smooth base. - Pasta Twist
Serve a small portion of al dente pasta—like orzo or ditalini—on the side or directly in the soup to bulk it up into a more filling meal. - Toppings
Top each bowl with shaved parmesan, fresh basil, or a dollop of pesto for an extra Italian flair. - Garlic Bread
Crisp slices of garlic-infused bread add a crunchy complement. Great for dipping and soaking up every drop of broth.
Conclusion
Tomato Florentine Soup offers a refreshing spin on classic tomato soup, showcasing wilted spinach in a light yet hearty broth. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and brimming with bright flavors that speak to both comfort and healthiness. The beauty of this soup is its adaptability—you can keep it vegetarian, add extra protein, or even blend it smooth for a creamier texture. With minimal prep and a cook time around 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The next time you want a nourishing bowl of tomato soup with a twist, remember this Tomato Florentine Soup recipe. Serve it with bread, sandwich it with cheese, or experiment with other vegetables. One sip, and you’ll see why homemade soups are worth a little extra effort—they’re fresh, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds.
Tomato Florentine Soup
Ingredients
Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons)
- For sautéing onion garlic, or celery.
Onion (1 small, diced)
- Adds savory depth. Yellow or white onions work well.
Celery (1–2 stalks, diced) (Optional)
- Provides gentle texture and mild flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Brings an aromatic note. Increase or decrease for preference.
Tomatoes
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes 28 oz can: Quick and easy for consistent texture.
- Optional If you like chunkiness, use diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if in season.
Broth (4 cups)
- Vegetable or chicken broth. Choose low-sodium if you want to control salt. A mix of water and broth can also work.
Baby Spinach (2 cups, lightly packed)
- Washed and trimmed. Spinach shrinks as it cooks so 2 cups might look like a lot but melts right in.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- A mixture of dried herbs including basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Or use a personal combination of dried herbs.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- Essential to bring out the best in tomatoes.
(Optional) Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon)
- For a hint of spice. Skip if you prefer a milder soup.
(Optional) Sugar (½–1 teaspoon)
- Some add sugar to balance tomato acidity. This is optional and based on personal taste.
(Optional) Parmesan Cheese (grated, for garnish)
- Adds a salty nutty finish on top. A drizzle of cream can also make it richer.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Warm a Pot: Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions and Celery: Add diced onion (and celery if using) and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garlic: Stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Combine Canned Tomatoes: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes if you prefer chunkier consistency).
- Pour Broth: Follow with 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
- Stir: Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Season: Stir in Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt, plus black pepper. If you want subtle sweetness, add ½–1 teaspoon sugar to offset tomato acidity.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Turn the heat to medium-high until you see bubbles.
- Reduce Heat: Lower to a simmer, cover partially, and let it cook for about 10–15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld together.
- (Optional) Thicken: If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce. If it’s too thick, add water or broth.
Step 4: Add Spinach
- Baby Spinach: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach. The leaves wilt quickly in the hot soup—usually in 1–2 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Check for salt, pepper, or additional herbs. If you want a hint of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Enjoy immediately with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 165 kcal Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 1g Carbohydrates: 20g Dietary Fiber: 4g Sugars 8g: Protein 5g: Sodium: 580mg Cholesterol: 0mgFAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions surrounding tomato florentine soup and related terms:
What is tomato florentine soup?
It’s a tomato-based soup that includes spinach (the “Florentine” aspect). Think of it like tomato soup, but with wilted spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
What is vegetable Florentine soup?
Typically, “vegetable Florentine” soup features various veggies (like carrots, onions, celery) and spinach, all in a savory broth. The “Florentine” label still indicates spinach is a key ingredient.
Why is it called Florentine?
In many culinary references, “Florentine” suggests that spinach is used, tying back to Florence, Italy. Dishes labeled “à la Florentine” often include spinach.
How many calories are in Florentine soup?
Calorie counts vary based on ingredients (like cream or cheese), but a typical homemade Tomato Florentine Soup might range from 100 to 200 calories per serving. Check your specific recipe’s nutrition info for accurate numbers.
Why is tomato soup so good?
Tomato soup is praised for its comforting, tangy-sweet flavor. The bright taste of tomatoes plus a bit of fat (olive oil or butter) and seasoning can evoke a sense of cozy nostalgia while still being relatively light.