Are you ready to warm up with a bowl of pure comfort? My creamy tomato basil soup is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few fresh ingredients, you'll whip up a dish that your family will love. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to please. Let’s dive into the easy steps to make this delightful treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe utilizes common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream or coconut cream gives the soup a deliciously velvety texture that’s truly comforting.
- Fresh Basil Flavor: Incorporating fresh basil at the end brightens the dish and adds a burst of aromatic flavor that elevates the soup.
- Versatile Dish: This creamy tomato basil soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Optional garnishes: croutons and additional basil
The secret to a great creamy tomato basil soup lies in these fresh and simple ingredients. High-quality olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps cook the onions and garlic. Finely chopped onion brings sweetness, while minced garlic gives it that aromatic kick.
Using canned diced tomatoes saves time and still delivers great taste. I recommend low-sodium vegetable broth for a balanced flavor. A touch of granulated sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Dried oregano adds depth, and salt and black pepper round out the flavors.
Heavy cream gives the soup its creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well. Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant aroma and taste. Feel free to garnish with croutons and more basil for a fun touch.
Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base of the Soup
To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want it soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for one more minute. Make sure the garlic does not brown. Now, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes. Add the vegetable broth, sugar, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir it well.
Simmering and Blending
Bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the flavors come together. After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Blend it until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender. Just remember to let it cool a bit first.
Final Touches
Return the pureed soup to the pot if you used a blender. Now, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Heat it gently over low heat. Be careful not to boil it again. Just before serving, fold in the chopped fresh basil. This gives the soup a fresh taste. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Flavor Profile
To make your creamy tomato basil soup shine, focus on balancing sweetness and acidity. The sugar in the recipe helps tone down the acidity of the tomatoes. You want a nice balance. If it tastes too acidic, add a bit more sugar. If it's too sweet, a pinch of salt can help.
Always season to taste. After cooking, taste the soup. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it. Each batch can taste a bit different, so adjust as needed.
Recommended Cooking Tools
For making soup, a heavy-bottomed pot works best. It heats evenly and prevents burning. Look for one that is at least 4 quarts. This size helps with simmering without spilling.
An immersion blender is a great tool for this recipe. It lets you blend the soup right in the pot. This saves time and reduces mess. Just lower it into the soup and blend until smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your soup hot in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. Crusty bread pairs well with this soup. It adds a nice crunch and helps soak up the creamy goodness.
For presentation, top your soup with croutons and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This adds color and texture. A slice of fresh baguette on the side makes it even better! Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious treat.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste of your soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, start with half the amount of cream and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
- Perfect Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A pinch of sugar can balance acidity, while salt and pepper enhance flavor. Don't hesitate to tweak to your liking!
- Make Ahead: This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently before serving, adding fresh basil just before serving.
Variations
Dairy-Free Adaptations
You can easily make this soup without dairy. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a rich texture that works perfectly in soup. Other non-dairy options include almond milk or cashew cream. These choices keep the soup creamy while being kind to your stomach.
Additional Flavor Boosts
Want to spice things up? Adding red pepper flakes brings heat and depth. You can also add vegetables like carrots or celery. These not only add flavor but also boost nutrition. Just chop them fine and sauté them with the onion for best results.
Serving Variations
This soup is not just for sipping. You can turn it into a pasta dish. Simply toss cooked pasta into the soup. It makes a hearty meal. You can also use the soup as a sauce for meats. Pour it over grilled chicken or roasted pork for a tasty twist.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, store it properly.
- Refrigerating leftovers: Let the soup cool completely before placing it in a sealed container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors intact and makes reheating easy.
- Freezing tips for long-term storage: If you want to save it longer, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good for about three months. Just remember to label the containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, here’s how to reheat it:
- Best methods for reheating soup: The best way to reheat is on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to ensure even heating. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.
- How to preserve texture and flavor: To keep the creamy texture, avoid boiling the soup again. Heat it gently and add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. This helps maintain that delicious flavor and smooth consistency.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a creamy texture and flavor. Other dairy-free options include almond milk or cashew cream. These options can help make the soup lighter and still rich.
How long can I store Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, use about 6 to 8 fresh tomatoes. Remove the skins and seeds for the best texture. Dice them before adding to the pot.
What are the benefits of using organic ingredients?
Using organic ingredients can improve the flavor of your soup. They often taste fresher and are free from pesticides. This makes the soup healthier and better for the planet.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is easy to make with simple ingredients. We explored key items like olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh basil. The steps covered everything from sautéing onions to blending for a smooth finish. I shared tips for flavor, storage, and variations to keep it exciting.
This soup is not just tasty; it’s versatile. You can adjust it to fit your diet and mood. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors! Your delicious bowl of soup awaits.
