Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. With its rich, velvety texture and fragrant basil undertones, this soup is perfect for any season. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it up at a summer gathering, the delightful combination of tomatoes and basil will leave you asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal option for both seasoned chefs and novice cooks alike.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Fat: 31 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 6 grams
• Sodium: 700 mg

Why Make This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. The smooth texture, combined with the fresh, aromatic flavor of basil, turns this soup into a culinary delight. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a light lunch, or even as an elegant starter for a dinner party. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients from tomatoes and basil, making it a wholesome choice for your meals.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Making this delicious soup is straightforward. You’ll sauté onions and garlic to build a flavor base, add in the tomatoes and broth, blend it all together for a creamy texture, and finish with heavy cream and fresh basil. It’s a perfect recipe to practice your cooking skills!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Step 1: Sautéing the Onions

  Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Step 2: Adding Garlic

  Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.

• Step 3: Mixing the Base

  Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

• Step 4: Blending the Soup

  Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a blender in batches. Blend carefully until you achieve a silky consistency.

• Step 5: Finishing the Dish

  Return the blended soup to heat. Add the heavy cream and chopped basil, stirring until everything is warmed through.

• Step 6: Seasoning to Taste

  Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a light salad. For a touch of elegance, serve it in a deep bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper or more fresh basil.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing. When reheating, stir well and add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Fresh basil is key for flavor, but if it’s out of season, you can use dried basil (use about 1 tablespoon).
• If you want a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions.
• Don’t rush the blending process; a smooth soup will give you that restaurant-quality finish.
• Always taste your soup before serving—adjust the seasoning as needed.

Delicious Variations

• Roasted Garlic Tomato Basil Soup: Roast a head of garlic alongside the onions for a deep, caramelized flavor.
• Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: Add some diced jalapeños while cooking the onions for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Spinach Tomato Soup: Stir in some fresh spinach right before blending for added color and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
  Yes! Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before using.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
  Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegetable broth.

• What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
  A traditional blender works too; just blend in batches and be careful of the hot liquid.

• Can I add meat to this soup?
  Yes, adding cooked chicken or turkey would be delightful! It will make for a heartier meal.

• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the blending stage, let it cool, and refrigerate. Blend it just before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its rich flavors and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether shared with friends around the table or enjoyed on a solo night in, this soup is sure to please. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful aromas and flavors that fill your kitchen!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic comfort dish with a rich, velvety texture and fragrant basil undertones, perfect in any season.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth.
5. Return the blended soup to heat and add the heavy cream and chopped basil, stirring until warmed through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Notes

Pairs beautifully with crusty bread and grilled cheese sandwiches. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg