Quick & Cozy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Warm memories of summer gardens inspire this delightful tomato basil soup that captures pure comfort in every spoonful.

Ripe red tomatoes blend with fragrant herbs to create a soul-soothing experience.

Simplicity defines this classic recipe, where fresh ingredients speak volumes about flavor and love.

Each ingredient tells a story of Mediterranean sunshine and rustic kitchens.

Our approach transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary meal that feels like a gentle embrace.

Soft basil leaves dance through the smooth texture, adding unexpected brightness to each bite.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup That Warms Every Soul

Savor Quick Comfort: A soup that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, soul-warming meal perfect for any day.

Beginner-Friendly Cooking: No advanced culinary skills needed – even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish with basic kitchen tools and straightforward steps.

Nutritious Family Pleaser: Packed with fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to store-bought soups while satisfying diverse taste preferences.

Versatile Meal Solution: Serve as a starter, light lunch, or paired with grilled cheese for a complete dining experience that adapts to different mealtime needs.

Ingredients for Smooth and Flavorful Tomato Basil Soup

• Tomatoes: Ripe, red tomatoes form the base of this creamy soup.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic undertone to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbaceous note and fresh green color.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation and adds extra flavor to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, smooth, and luxurious texture to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the soup.

How to Whip Up Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Easily

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Grab ripe tomatoes, crisp basil leaves, a sweet onion, and garlic cloves. Thoroughly wash all produce.

Chop tomatoes into chunky pieces, slice basil into ribbons, dice the onion into small uniform cubes, and finely mince the garlic.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Pour a generous splash of olive oil. Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Develop Soup Foundation

Drop chopped tomatoes into the pot.

Pour in vegetable broth and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Let the soup simmer quietly for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Smooth and Blend

Remove pot from heat.

Use an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a silky smooth consistency. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer the hot liquid and blend in batches, ensuring a creamy texture without lumps.

Step 5: Enrich and Finish

Return the pot to low heat. Swirl in heavy cream, creating a luxurious and velvety soup.

Sprinkle fresh basil ribbons and let them gently wilt into the warm liquid. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Serve immediately with crusty bread or croutons for a complete and comforting meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Every Time

• Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and rich color in your soup.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier cleanup and smoother blending process.
• Adjust cream quantity based on desired richness – less cream means lighter soup, more cream creates a luxurious texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Enhance soup's depth by roasting tomatoes before adding to pot, which intensifies their natural sweetness and adds complex flavor profile.

Delicious Variations on Tomato Basil Soup to Try

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich texture.
• Roasted Tomato Version: Oven-roast tomatoes before adding to pot for deeper, caramelized flavor profile with enhanced sweetness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes and include a splash of smoked paprika to create a zesty, warming version of the classic soup.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use fire-roasted tomatoes and substitute vegetable broth with bone broth, adding extra fat like olive oil or butter for increased richness.

Pairings That Complement Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Well

• Crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia perfectly complements the soup's rich, velvety texture and balances its tangy tomato flavor.
• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the soup's creaminess and enhances its fresh basil notes.
• Toasted baguette slices topped with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs create a delightful side that adds crunch and depth to the soup experience.

How to Keep Tomato Basil Soup Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain fresh flavor.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze flat for easy storage, lasting up to 2-3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if soup thickens during storage to restore original creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned whole or diced tomatoes. Just drain excess liquid and use the same amount as the recipe calls for fresh tomatoes.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses vegetable broth and doesn’t include any meat ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarians.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. You can also reduce the cream amount or use a low-fat alternative.

• Can I freeze this tomato basil soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add fresh cream after thawing and reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil soup blends Italian culinary tradition with fresh garden ingredients. Hearty comfort arrives in each spoonful, inviting you to savor rich, aromatic flavors that warm the soul.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by finely chopping ripe tomatoes, dicing onions, and mincing garlic cloves while roughly tearing fresh basil leaves.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
4. Pour chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth into the pot, increasing heat to create a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a low simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove pot from heat and carefully purée the mixture using an immersion blender until achieving a silky, uniform texture, ensuring no chunks remain.
6. Return pot to low heat and slowly incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent separation.
7. Fold in freshly torn basil leaves, allowing them to wilt and infuse their herbaceous flavor into the soup.
8. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
9. Ladle the creamy tomato soup into warm bowls and serve immediately, garnishing with additional basil if desired.

Notes

• Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the amount of vegetable broth for thicker or thinner textures.
• Enhance flavor depth by roasting tomatoes and garlic before adding to the pot for a richer, caramelized taste profile.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
• Elevate the soup’s nutritional value by adding a handful of spinach or kale during the blending process for extra vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg