Adding a splash of vodka to tinned tomato soup can transform the ready-made meal, balancing the tomatoes' natural sweetness and adding depth, according to a recipe shared on TikTok by Katie Leonard.
The vodka trick
In her video, Katie Leonard demonstrated her method for upgrading a tin of tomato soup. She heats the soup in a pan, stirs in the vodka, and lets it cook for two minutes. She then adds cream and oregano, mixes well, and stirs in grated Parmesan.
While adding vodka to soup may seem unusual, the spirit tastes quite dry, which helps balance the tomatoes' natural sweetness. This can add a real sense of depth to the ready-made meal.
Ingredients and method
The recipe calls for one can of tomato soup, 1–2 tablespoons of vodka, 150–250ml of water or broth (adjusted to preferred thickness), 2–4 tablespoons of heavy cream (or crème fraîche/single cream), 25–40g of freshly grated Parmesan plus a pinch for garnish, 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter, 1 small minced garlic clove (optional), a dash of black pepper or red pepper flakes, and fresh basil or dried oregano (optional).
In her video, Katie said: "Today we are focusing on a tin of tomato soup. Tomato soup is already a classic. It's warm, rich and comforting. But, for tins made tasty, it's all about adding a little twist. A splash of cream, a herby kick or a cheesy topping can take it to the next level."
More ways to level up tinned tomato soup
There are plenty of other quick and easy tips to enhance tinned tomato soup. Add a smoky kick with smoked paprika or chipotle paste. Turn up the heat using chilli flakes, cayenne or a spoon of harissa. Boost umami with a dash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a small spoon of Marmite.
Make it creamy by stirring in double cream, crème fraîche, cream cheese, or a knob of butter at the end. Balance the tang with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar if it's too sharp. Stir through pesto for a richer, herby finish. Add extra texture with croutons, toasted sourdough soldiers, or crispy onions on top. Top with cheese like grated cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, plus a grind of black pepper. Bulk it out with chickpeas, cooked lentils, shredded chicken, or crispy chorizo pieces. Add greens like spinach or kale for a quick, healthier upgrade. Finally, finish with a drizzle of good olive oil or chilli oil to make it taste more premium.
