Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich tomato flavor with fresh basil and a touch of creaminess. Perfect for cozy nights or a quick weekday meal, this soup is simple to make and full of flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for an extra satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients That Make This Soup Special
Each ingredient in this soup contributes to its delicious, balanced flavor:
- Canned Tomatoes: Bring in a robust tomato flavor that’s balanced with natural acidity.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of freshness, elevating the soup with herbal, slightly sweet notes.
- Cream: A touch of cream rounds out the soup’s texture, making it silky and smooth.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful base for the soup.
This combination creates a comforting, classic tomato basil soup that is both hearty and simple.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a pot of cozy soup ready to serve:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil, allowing their flavors to deepen.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Next, add the canned tomatoes and broth. Letting this mixture simmer helps meld the flavors.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. This step gives the soup a smooth, comforting texture.
- Add Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil, letting the flavors meld and develop.
Perfect Pairings for Tomato Basil Soup
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing—gooey cheese and crusty bread bring out the best in this soup.
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad for balance.
- Crusty Bread: Toasted baguette slices or garlic bread make ideal soup companions for dipping.
Pro Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup
- Choose High-Quality Tomatoes: Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of cream or swap with a dairy-free alternative.
- Fresh Basil for Maximum Flavor: Fresh basil is essential for this recipe. Add it toward the end to preserve its flavor and aroma.
FAQs About Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. It will still be deliciously creamy.
How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container, making it great for meal prep.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Just leave out the cream until reheating to prevent separation.
How Do I Reheat It?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of extra broth if it’s too thick.
Enjoying Your Cozy Bowl of Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy tomato basil soup is perfect for a quick dinner or as a starter for a larger meal. Its warm, inviting flavors are a surefire way to add comfort to any day, and it’s even better when shared with loved ones.
Equipment
- Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender
- Braun MultiQuick 5 Immersion Hand Blender
- KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
- Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- OXO Good Grips Nylon Ladle
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through, allowing the basil flavor to infuse the soup.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of sugar if you’d like to reduce the soup’s acidity.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional fresh basil, and enjoy with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Notes
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving for an even richer texture.
- Adjusting Consistency: Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup or simmer longer to thicken.
- Make it Vegan: Swap out the cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.