This warm and comforting tomato basil soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of cream for smoothness. Yum!
Whenever I sip on this soup, I feel like I’m wrapped in a cozy blanket. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got yourself a delightful meal! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing. You can use vegetable oil or butter if you’re in a pinch. Both add good flavor! I prefer olive oil for its taste and health benefits.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re low on onions, shallots or leeks work too. They lend a nice flavor as well.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a difference! If you don’t have fresh, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove. But I really recommend fresh for that aroma and taste.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are great because they’re sweet and ready to go. Grab whole or crushed! For fresh tomatoes, go for ripe ones. If you can’t find fresh, any canned will work perfectly.
Basil: Fresh basil gives this soup its signature taste. If you can’t find it, dried basil can substitute, using about 1 tablespoon. I often use extra fresh basil for an appealing garnish!
Heavy Cream: For a creamy finish, but you can skip it or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. I love the creaminess that heavy cream adds, but it’s still tasty without it!
How Do You Achieve a Smooth and Creamy Soup?
A major key to a velvety tomato basil soup is the blending process. Whether you use an immersion blender or a traditional blender, smoothness is essential!
- After simmering your soup, let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
- If using a blender, do it in batches to keep things safe. Be careful with hot liquids!
- For the best texture, blend until no lumps remain. You want a silky smooth consistency.
- Don’t forget to stir in the cream after blending for that luxurious mouthfeel.
Following these steps ensures you have a creamy and delicious dish every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Soup:
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (or about 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Creaminess (Optional):
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread or grilled cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Tomato Basil Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and a total of 30 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying your warm, soothing soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds a great flavor base!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be sure to stir it frequently so it doesn’t burn.
3. Combine Tomatoes and Broth:
Now pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice (if using fresh tomatoes, add them now) and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in Basil and Season:
Add the chopped basil leaves and the optional sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup:
To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
6. Add Cream (Optional):
If you like your soup creamy, this is the time to stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through gently but avoid boiling at this point.
7. Final Taste Adjustment:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This final touch makes all the difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you wish. Serve it hot with some delicious crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
Your comforting and flavorful Tomato Basil Soup is ready to enjoy! Perfect for a cozy evening!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are perfect for this recipe as they are sweet and ready to use. Just pop them in with the juice. If you choose fresh, use about 2 pounds, and chop them finely.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, it’s easy! Simply omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. You can also skip the cheese garnish or use a vegan cheese substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you’ve added cream, the texture may change slightly upon reheating, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Definitely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will stay good in the freezer for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
