Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a timeless classic that warms the heart and comforts the soul. Its rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil combine beautifully, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a cozy gathering with friends. This creamy delight is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a favorite in households everywhere.
Why Make This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This soup brings the taste of summer into your kitchen year-round, thanks to its fresh tomato and basil combination. It’s exceptionally creamy, thanks to the heavy cream, which adds a luscious texture that envelops your taste buds in warmth. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can be made in just over half an hour, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or a comforting meal when you need a pick-me-up.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Step 1: Sautéing Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step releases wonderful aromas that will set the stage for your soup.
-
Step 2: Adding Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Step 3: Simmering the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This will intensify the tomato flavors and make the soup more aromatic.
-
Step 4: Blending to Perfection
Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and velvety texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be cautious of the hot liquid!
-
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm slightly, but do not bring it to a boil again, as you want that cream to remain rich and delicious.
-
Step 6: Serving
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a few extra basil leaves if desired. Enjoy the comforting warmth!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple side salad. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling a little balsamic reduction on top or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for gatherings.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some room in your container for expansion as it freezes!
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for better flavor. Look for those packed in juice rather than water.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil truly elevates the flavor, but if you can’t find any, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half.
- Serving Temperature: Always reheat gently. Don’t allow the soup to boil after adding cream.
- Garnishing: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes during the sautéing phase for a bit of heat.
- Hearty Additions: Toss in cooked lentils or quinoa to make the soup even heartier and to boost the protein content.
- Veggie-rich: Throw in some diced zucchini or bell peppers along with the tomatoes for added texture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them for the best results before adding them to the pot. -
How do I make it dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a rich and creamy flavor without the dairy. -
What can I serve with it?
Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a garden salad are all excellent choices! -
How long does it take to make?
This soup takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal option. -
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort and elegance in each spoonful. Its rich flavors and creamy texture offer a perfect balance of taste and nourishment that can be enjoyed year-round. With its quick preparation and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home kitchen. Gather your ingredients, and warm up with this delicious soup today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy tomato basil soup, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a regular blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Warm slightly without boiling.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
Notes
Pair with crusty bread or grilled cheese. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
