Indulge in Comfort: Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a timeless classic, a comforting embrace in a bowl. Its simplicity belies its depth of flavor, and when made with care, it’s a truly exceptional culinary experience. This recipe elevates the standard tomato soup with a velvety smooth texture, rich tomato flavor, and the fragrant addition of fresh basil. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or as a starter for a more elaborate meal. Get ready to experience tomato soup like never before!

## Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another tomato soup recipe. Here’s what sets it apart:

* **Roasting the Tomatoes:** Roasting the tomatoes deepens their flavor, bringing out their sweetness and adding a touch of smokiness that canned tomatoes simply can’t replicate. This step is crucial for achieving a truly exceptional tomato flavor.
* **Fresh Basil Infusion:** Fresh basil is added both during cooking and as a garnish, ensuring that its vibrant aroma and flavor permeate every spoonful.
* **Creamy Texture:** A touch of heavy cream (or a vegan alternative) creates a luxurious, velvety texture that elevates the soup to another level.
* **Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor:** We focus on using high-quality ingredients and proper techniques to maximize flavor, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
* **Versatile:** It’s naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan with a simple substitution. You can also add grilled cheese croutons for a heartier meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tomatoes:** 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma, San Marzano, or a combination)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, plus more for drizzling
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves, minced
* **Vegetable Broth:** 4 cups (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/2 cup, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil leaves, croutons, a swirl of cream, grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), a drizzle of olive oil.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect rich and creamy tomato basil soup:

**1. Prepare the Tomatoes for Roasting:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Wash the tomatoes thoroughly.
* Cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size.
* Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil. This helps them roast evenly and adds flavor.
* Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.

**2. Roast the Tomatoes:**

* Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
* The roasting time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of your tomatoes. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time accordingly.
* The tomatoes should be slightly wrinkled and have some browned edges.

**3. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* While the tomatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**4. Add Tomato Paste and Cook:**

* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste helps to deepen its flavor and remove any raw taste.
* The tomato paste should become slightly darker in color and fragrant.

**5. Combine Roasted Tomatoes and Broth:**

* Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
* Carefully add the roasted tomatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic. Don’t forget to scrape any browned bits from the baking sheet, as they contain a lot of flavor.
* Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Make sure the broth covers the tomatoes. If not add a little water.

**6. Simmer and Infuse with Basil:**

* Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
* Add half of the chopped fresh basil to the soup.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
* The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will become.

**7. Blend the Soup:**

* Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly.
* Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
* Alternatively, you can blend the soup in a regular blender in batches. Make sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.
* If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend it partially, leaving some texture.

**8. Stir in Cream and Season:**

* Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option).
* Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste. Start with a small amount of sugar and adjust to your liking.
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes.

**9. Finish with Fresh Basil:**

* Stir in the remaining fresh basil.
* Heat the soup gently over low heat for a few minutes to warm through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.

**10. Serve and Garnish:**

* Ladle the soup into bowls.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves, croutons, a swirl of cream, grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), or a drizzle of olive oil.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
* **Add Roasted Red Peppers:** For a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, add roasted red peppers to the soup.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
* **Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar:** A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and depth of flavor.
* **Make Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into cubes and use them as croutons for a comforting and delicious addition.
* **Freeze for Later:** This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer it for a longer period of time to reduce the liquid.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup. Roast them along with the tomatoes for added flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This rich and creamy tomato basil soup is delicious on its own or served with:

* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing!
* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing accompaniment.
* **Pasta:** As a sauce for pasta.
* **Quesadillas:** For a comforting and satisfying meal.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Protein: 5-7g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

This rich and creamy tomato basil soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The roasting of the tomatoes, the fresh basil infusion, and the velvety texture create a truly unforgettable soup experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort!

Enjoy!