Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for a chilly day or a light and satisfying meal. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite among all ages. This recipe offers a simple yet incredibly flavorful version that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture creates a truly irresistible soup.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or a comforting dinner. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings and additions.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, this soup is a nutritious choice.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are readily available and affordable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tomatoes:** Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes also work well, especially during the off-season.
* **Fresh Basil:** Fresh basil is essential for the signature aroma and flavor of this soup. Don’t substitute dried basil.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the base of the soup, adding depth and complexity.
* **Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth):** Provides the liquid base for the soup. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian.
* **Heavy Cream (or Coconut Milk):** Adds richness and creaminess to the soup. Coconut milk is a great vegan alternative.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Sugar:** A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Croutons, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream, balsamic glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect tomato basil soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Wash and roughly chop the fresh basil. If using canned tomatoes, open the can and set aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth**

1. Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) to the pot. If using fresh tomatoes, you may want to lightly crush them with a spoon to release their juices.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Make sure the tomatoes are fully submerged in the broth. If not, add a bit more broth or water.
3. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This is especially important if using canned tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s harder to remove it.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

1. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

**Step 5: Blend the Soup**

1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure to vent the lid of the blender to prevent pressure from building up and causing a mess. Work in small batches to avoid overflowing.

**Step 6: Add the Basil and Cream**

1. Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Reserve a few basil leaves for garnish.
2. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir until well combined. Heat through gently over low heat. Do not boil after adding the cream or coconut milk.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream, or balsamic glaze.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup

* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of the tomatoes will directly impact the flavor of the soup. If using fresh tomatoes, choose ripe, juicy ones. If using canned tomatoes, opt for a high-quality brand.
* **Don’t Skip the Sugar:** A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more rounded and flavorful soup.
* **Simmer for a Deeper Flavor:** Simmering the soup for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer taste.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Be Careful When Blending Hot Soup:** When using a regular blender, always vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up. Work in small batches to avoid overflowing.
* **Fresh Basil is Key:** Don’t substitute dried basil for fresh basil. Fresh basil provides the signature aroma and flavor that makes this soup so special.
* **Customize with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Croutons, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream, and balsamic glaze all add a delicious finishing touch.

Variations and Additions

* **Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:** Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, more concentrated flavor. Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast them in the oven until softened and slightly caramelized.
* **Spicy Tomato Basil Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into small squares and use them as croutons for a fun and delicious twist.
* **Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Pesto:** Swirl in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Vegan Tomato Basil Soup:** Use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of heavy cream to make this soup vegan.
* **Add Vegetables:** Include roasted red peppers, carrots, or celery during the simmering process for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.
* **Different Herbs:** While basil is classic, try adding a touch of oregano, thyme, or rosemary to complement the tomato flavor.

Serving Suggestions

* **With Grilled Cheese:** A classic pairing! The warm, cheesy goodness of grilled cheese complements the creamy tomato soup perfectly.
* **With a Salad:** Serve the soup as a starter alongside a fresh salad for a light and healthy meal.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Dip crusty bread into the soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **As a Starter:** Serve a small bowl of tomato basil soup as a starter for a larger meal.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out.

Recipe Card

**Creamy Tomato Basil Soup**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (or 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, chopped)
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
* Optional toppings: croutons, Parmesan cheese, a swirl of cream, balsamic glaze

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour.
6. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
7. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and heavy cream (or coconut milk). Heat through gently over low heat (do not boil).
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Tomato Basil Soup! Let me know in the comments if you tried it and what toppings you used. Don’t forget to rate the recipe!