Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and velvety dish that combines the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil. Blended with rich cream, this soup achieves a perfectly smooth texture, making it a delightful choice for cozy meals or as a starter. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. Let me know if you’d like the full recipe or tips for making it extra delicious!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Course: soups, Soups and StewsCuisine: soups and stews, soupsDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalCreamy Tomato Basil Soup blends tangy tomatoes, fresh basil, and rich cream into a velvety, comforting dish. Perfect with crusty bread or a grilled cheese!
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: A pinch of sugar for balance
Directions
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Pour in the broth:
Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the soup:
Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth and velvety.
- Add the cream:
Pour the heavy cream into the blended soup and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season and add basil:
Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Stir in freshly chopped basil leaves. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil and a swirl of cream. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
Notes
- Here are some notes for preparing a delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:
Tomatoes: Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. You can opt for fresh, canned, or roasted tomatoes depending on availability and preference.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide the most vibrant flavor. Add them during cooking and blend for an aromatic soup.
Creaminess: Heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk can be used to achieve a rich, velvety texture. Adjust according to dietary preferences.
Balance of Flavors: Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Broth Base: Use vegetable or chicken broth as the liquid base to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Thickening Tips: To thicken the soup, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of tomato paste.
Blending: For a silky smooth texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender or in batches using a regular blender.
Garnishes: Top with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flair.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or croutons for a hearty and satisfying meal.
