Craving a warm, comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup? You’re in the right place! This flavorful and easy recipe uses fresh ingredients and simple steps to create a dish that’s perfect for any day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this soup will impress with its rich taste and smooth texture. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious dish to your kitchen!
Ingredients
Key Ingredients Needed
To make a delicious creamy tomato basil soup, you need these main ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
You can customize your soup with optional ingredients like roasted red peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Choosing Quality Ingredients
When choosing tomatoes, look for ripe, plump ones. They should feel heavy and have a rich color. Canned tomatoes are great, too. They often have a sweet flavor.
Fresh basil makes a big difference. Choose bright green leaves that smell sweet. Avoid wilted or brown leaves. The fresher the basil, the more flavor it adds to your soup.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
You can make this soup vegan by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps it rich and creamy without dairy.
For gluten-free options, check your broth. Many store-bought vegetable broths are gluten-free, but always read labels. For low-sodium options, use low-sodium broth and skip added salt during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice one medium onion into small pieces. This helps the onion cook evenly. Next, mince two cloves of garlic. Minced garlic releases its flavor quickly, making your soup taste great.
Measuring your ingredients is important. It ensures each flavor shines through. Use a measuring cup for liquids and a kitchen scale for solids. This will give you the best results in your creamy tomato basil soup.
Cooking Process
For cooking, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about five minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base.
Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute. You will smell the garlic’s rich aroma. Now, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and one cup of vegetable broth. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir this mixture well.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches. Be careful with the hot liquid!
Final Touches
Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream and a quarter cup of chopped fresh basil. This is the moment to incorporate these ingredients. Heat just until warmed through. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
If you want a hint of sweetness, add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. This optional ingredient adds depth to the soup. Once heated, serve the soup hot in bowls.
For a nice touch, garnish each bowl with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Enjoy with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a delightful meal. You can find the full recipe above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Success
To make the best creamy tomato basil soup, follow these cooking tips:
– Ideal cooking temperatures: Keep your stove at medium heat. This helps the onions soften without burning. Sauté them for about five minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base.
– Keeping the soup creamy and smooth: Blend the soup carefully. Use an immersion blender if you have one. It helps avoid spills. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit. Hot soup can splatter.
Presentation Ideas
Make your soup look as good as it tastes:
– Garnishing: Drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil for color and flavor. You can even add croutons for crunch.
– Serving dishes: Use deep bowls to hold the soup. They keep it warm longer. Pair it with a crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy touch.
Reheating and Serving Suggestions
Leftover soup can be just as good:
– Best practices for reheating: Heat the soup on low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You want to warm it, not cook it again.
– Creative serving ideas: Serve with a slice of garlic bread. It’s a great way to soak up the soup. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
This creamy tomato basil soup is a delight in every bite. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Variations
Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
To make this soup vegan-friendly, you can swap out the heavy cream. Use coconut cream instead. This keeps the soup rich and creamy. You can also try cashew cream, which adds a nice nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth. You can thicken the soup with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Just mix it with a bit of water before adding it to the soup. This will help create a smooth texture.
Flavor Variations
You can enhance this soup with spices or herbs. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh thyme or parsley adds a nice twist, too. For creative additions, consider roasted red peppers or a mix of cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan brings a savory note. You can mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
For more details, check the Full Recipe for Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Once cool, pour it into a container. You can use glass or plastic containers. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. This helps keep the soup fresh. Your soup will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option.
Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Freezing your soup is easy. First, let the soup cool completely. Next, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top. This allows room for the soup to expand when frozen. Seal the containers tightly and label each with the date. Your soup can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, take the container out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it gently over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Your creamy tomato basil soup will taste great!
Containers to Use
For storing soup, I recommend using airtight containers. Glass containers are durable and do not stain. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to handle. Make sure they are freezer-safe if you plan to freeze. Label each container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of what you have and when you made it.
FAQs
How do I thicken my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can use a few simple methods. First, blend the soup longer. This makes it smoother and thicker. Second, add a bit more heavy cream or a spoon of cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the soup. Third, let the soup simmer longer. This helps reduce the liquid and makes it thicker.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Fresh tomatoes can add a bright taste. However, they need more prep time. You’ll have to peel and chop them first. Canned tomatoes save time and provide a consistent flavor. Using fresh gives you a different texture, which some people love.
Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time! Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs well with many sides. A classic choice is grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Try a simple Caesar or mixed greens salad on the side. For a fun twist, serve it with garlic bread. Each option enhances the soup’s flavors.
For the full recipe, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss!
In this article, we explored how to make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, from choosing quality ingredients to detailed cooking steps. You learned about optional ingredients, dietary substitutions, and tips for perfecting your dish. Remember to customize your soup to match your taste. Don’t forget about storage methods for leftovers too. With these ideas and tips, you can enjoy a delicious bowl anytime. Get cooking and savor each bite!
