Name: Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 small leek, finely chopped; 1 carrot, peeled and finely grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon allspice powder; 5 tablespoons tomato paste; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup short-grained rice; 4 1/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

If you’re in need of a cozy, heartwarming meal, this Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen—and soul—have been craving. It’s a traditional Polish take on tomato soup, elevated with aromatic spices and tender rice for a comforting bowl that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

A close-up of thick tomato rice soup in a white bowl, filled to the top with bright orange-red broth mixed with soft rice grains and small bits of vegetables. The texture is slightly chunky and creamy. A silver spoon holds a big spoonful of the soup above the bowl, showing the glossy, hearty mix. The bowl sits on a folded cloth with soft grey, white, yellow, and dark blue stripes on a white marbled surface. In the background is a metal pot, partially blurred, also filled with the orange-rich soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how this soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s quick to make, uses straightforward ingredients, and brings out that rich, tangy tomato flavor balanced with cozy spices. Plus, the rice makes it wonderfully filling without being heavy.

Hearty and Comforting: The rice adds just the right amount of substance to keep you full and happy.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 33 minutes total—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Aromatic: The allspice and bay leaf give it a unique, warm depth that makes it stand out.
Versatile: Use vegetable or chicken stock depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure to pick fresh vegetables—especially the onion, leek, and carrot—for maximum flavor. Using short-grain rice is key here because it cooks up tender but doesn’t fall apart in the soup.

Flat lay of a small glass bowl of golden olive oil, one small peeled and finely chopped onion, half a small leek with pale green and white layers finely chopped, one peeled and finely grated bright orange carrot, a single fresh glossy green bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with short-grained white rice, a small white bowl with clear vegetable stock, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl with freshly cracked black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that forms a flavorful base for sautéing the veggies.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently in the oil.
Leek: Offers a subtle, aromatic onion flavor that enhances the soup’s complexity.
Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and a lovely texture when grated finely.
Bay leaf: Imparts a slightly earthy, herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
Allspice powder: Adds warm, spicy undertones that give the soup its characteristic zest.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that delivers the rich, vibrant base for the soup.
Short-grain rice: Cooks up creamy and tender without dissolving, perfect for a comforting texture.
Vegetable or chicken stock: Your choice depending on preference—a savory liquid base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together perfectly.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is wonderfully versatile—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or pantry staples. Don’t be shy about adding your own twist to make it truly your own cozy bowl of goodness.

Add Some Heat: I love turning up the spice factor by stirring in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce just before serving. It adds a lovely warmth that really wakes up the flavors.
Vegetarian Swap: For a vegetarian or vegan version, just swap the chicken stock with a rich vegetable stock. It’s just as flavorful and keeps the soup light and comforting.
Extra Veggie Power: Feel free to toss in chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a boost of greens and added texture.
Smoother Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend part of it after cooking and stir it back in. It makes every spoonful silky smooth without losing that satisfying heartiness from the rice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a small white bowl filled with thick, bright orange-red soup made with visible pieces of grains and diced vegetables. The soup looks smooth but chunky with soft textures throughout. Behind the bowl, a large metal pot holds more of the same soup, with a ladle inside. The bowl and pot sit on a light gray cloth with subtle stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. A shiny silver spoon lies in the foreground, resting on the cloth. The overall scene feels warm and cozy with soft, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, leek, and grated carrot, and cook them together until they soften and turn translucent—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice a lovely sweetness emerging from the vegetables, which forms a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, stir in 1 bay leaf and ½ teaspoon of allspice powder. The allspice adds a subtle warmth that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Then, mix in 5 tablespoons of tomato paste, coating the veggies well. This step deepens the tomato flavor and gives your soup that rich, vibrant color.

Step 3: Add Rice and Stock

Pour in ½ cup of short-grain rice and 4 ¼ cups of either vegetable or chicken stock, depending on your preference. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients. The rice will soak up the flavorful broth as the soup cooks, making each bite satisfying and hearty.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring your pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender but still holds its shape. The soup should have a rich, comforting aroma by this point.

Step 5: Season and Serve Warm

Finally, remove the bay leaf and season your soup to taste with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it warm—the perfect remedy for a chilly day or anytime you want a cozy, homey meal.

Top Tip

Getting your Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe just right is all about layering flavors and balancing textures. These tips are drawn from hands-on experience and can really elevate your bowl of this comforting Polish classic.

Choose the Right Rice: Using short-grain rice is a game-changer. It cooks tenderly without turning mushy or breaking apart, giving your soup that perfect comforting texture.
Mind the Tomato Paste: I learned that adjusting the amount of tomato paste to your taste can deepen or soften the tomato flavor. Start with 5 tablespoons, then tweak for next time if you want it tangier or milder.
Gentle Simmering: Cooking the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil keeps the rice cooking evenly and prevents sticking on the bottom of the pot.
Avoid Overcooking: Resist the urge to rush. Overcooked rice can get too soft and ruin the delightful texture, so keep an eye during those 15 minutes.

How to Serve Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a pot filled with thick tomato rice stew. The stew has three main layers: a rich, glossy red-orange tomato sauce that coats soft cooked rice grains, small diced orange carrots, and tiny green bits of herbs scattered throughout. The textures look moist and slightly chunky, with the rice and vegetables blending well in the sauce. A metal spoon inside the pot lifts a generous scoop of the stew, showing the vibrant colors and thick consistency. The pot rests on a soft gray cloth, on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can brighten and add freshness to your spicy tomato rice soup. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds a lovely herbal touch. For some creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt swirled on top works wonders. If you love a bit of heat, add a few chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside crusty breads—try a warm baguette or a rustic sourdough to soak up every flavorful drop. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing the warmth of the soup with fresh crunch. For a heartier meal, a plate of pierogi or stuffed cabbage complements the Polish theme perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy leftovers without sacrificing freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze Spicy Tomato Rice Soup, but bear in mind rice texture may change slightly. Cool the soup fully, then place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly and prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring between intervals until hot throughout. Add a splash of stock or water if the soup thickened too much while chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly. The flavors still come through beautifully.

What type of rice works best for this soup?

Short-grain rice is best because it cooks up tender without dissolving into the soup. It provides a pleasant chew and body to the dish.

How spicy is the Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe?

This recipe has a mild warmth from allspice and the tomato paste richness. If you want more heat, you can always add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

Yes! For a velvety texture, blend a portion of the soup after it’s cooked and stir it back in. This balances creaminess while keeping some rice grains for heartiness.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is truly a cozy hug in a bowl—simple to make yet full of rich, layered flavors. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave something familiar and hearty, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home. Enjoy making it yours with those little personal touches, and savor each warm spoonful!