1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Start by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Measure out 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste, 24 ounces of water or milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar, along with any optional items like 1/4 teaspoon baking soda or seasonings. Dice any fresh add-ins if you’re customizing, and have your saucepan ready on the stove. This initial setup takes about 2 minutes and helps avoid rushing later.

2-Second Step: Add the Tomato Paste to the Pan Place the 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste directly into a saucepan. If you’re using 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to cut acidity, mix it in here first and stir gently for 30 seconds. This step builds the soup’s base and takes roughly 1 minute, allowing the flavors to start melding without much heat yet.

3-Third Step: Pour in the Liquid and Seasonings Add the 24 ounces of water or milk to the pan, using the empty tomato paste can to measure and rinse it thoroughly for extra flavor. Stir in the 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and any optional seasonings like 1 teaspoon onion powder or dried basil. Mix everything well to combine, which should take about 1 minute. If using milk, whisk constantly to prevent curdling, or heat the milk separately first for better results.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the Soup Turn the heat to medium and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Let it simmer until it’s heated through, which usually takes around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid sticking, and adjust the heat if needed. For a thicker soup, add 1 teaspoon flour and stir until it blends in smoothly.

5-Fifth Step: Final Touches and Serving Once heated, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, perhaps adding more salt or herbs for your preference. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best flavor, pairing it with something simple like grilled cheese. This final step is quick, taking just 1-2 minutes, and your soup will be ready in about 8 minutes total, making it perfect for busy schedules. Explore more easy recipes on our site for similar quick ideas.