The history of tomato soup is not precisely documented, but it is known that tomato-based dishes became popular after tomatoes were brought from the Americas to Europe. Tomato soup is one of these dishes. Tomatoes were introduced to Europe by Spanish and Portuguese sailors in the 16th century. In the 17th century, the use of tomatoes increased in European cuisine, and tomato-based dishes became widespread. However, there is no clear information on exactly when and by whom tomato soup was invented. Today, there are various tomato soup recipes in many different cultures, typically prepared with different ingredients to highlight the delicious and nutritious qualities of tomatoes.

Here is a basic recipe for making tomato soup:

**Ingredients:**
– 4 medium-sized tomatoes
– 1 large onion
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of milk or cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh thyme or basil (optional)

**Instructions:**
1. Start by washing the tomatoes and peeling off the skins. Then, chop them into cubes.
2. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
3. Melt the butter or olive oil in a pot. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. After cooking, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Optionally, add the milk or cream and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. You can garnish with fresh thyme or basil before serving.

Enjoy your meal!