Are you ready to make a bowl of comforting deliciousness? This creamy tomato basil soup is both flavorful and easy to whip up. Packed with wholesome ingredients and a few optional twists, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a newbie, I’ll take you through each simple step. Let’s get cooking and bring warmth to your table!
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make a tasty creamy tomato basil soup, you need a few key ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
These ingredients form the base of your soup. The olive oil adds richness, while the onion and garlic bring depth of flavor. Crushed tomatoes give the soup its signature color and taste, and vegetable broth provides a savory backdrop.
Optional Ingredients for Variation
You can make your soup even better with these optional ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Optional: Croutons for garnish
Balsamic vinegar and sugar can enhance sweetness and balance acidity. Heavy cream makes the soup creamy, while coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, and croutons give a nice crunch.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving of this creamy tomato basil soup is packed with nutrition:
– Calories: 300
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Protein: 5g
This soup is hearty and satisfying. You can enjoy it without guilt, knowing it offers a good balance of flavors and nutrients. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps for Cooking
To start, you need to sauté the onions and garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one medium onion, diced. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. This brings out the sweet taste of the onion. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should smell amazing!
Next, it’s time to combine the ingredients for simmering. Pour in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Mix it all well. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix together.
Blending for Creamy Texture
Now it’s time to make the soup creamy! You can use an immersion blender for this step. Just blend the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a standard blender, then blend. This gives you that rich, creamy texture you want.
Final Additions and Serving
After blending, return the soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. You can use coconut cream if you want a vegan option. Heat it through but do not let it boil. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves. This will make the soup taste fresh and vibrant.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper to fit your taste. When ready, serve this soup in bowls. You can garnish it with a drizzle of cream, some fresh basil, and croutons for a nice crunch.
For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess
To make your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup rich and smooth, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Heavy cream gives a rich texture, while coconut cream offers a vegan option. Avoid using low-fat creams; they can make the soup thin and watery.
Common mistakes include adding the cream too early or boiling the soup after adding the cream. Always add the cream last and keep the heat low to maintain that smooth texture.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the flavor, try adding more herbs like oregano or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick. If your soup tastes too acidic, balance it with a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of vinegar. These ingredients help round out the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add croutons on top for a crunchy texture. For a creative touch, drizzle some cream on the surface and sprinkle fresh basil leaves. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances the flavor.
For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss .
Variations
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
To make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup vegan, you can swap out the heavy cream. Use coconut cream instead; it brings a nice richness. For broth, choose vegetable broth. This keeps the flavor vibrant while making the soup plant-based.
Ingredient Swaps
Fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones for a brighter taste. If you do this, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before adding. Adding extra veggies boosts nutrition. Try carrots or spinach for color and health benefits. Just chop them finely and cook with the onions.
International Twists
Add Italian flavors like oregano or thyme to deepen the taste. For a spicy kick, toss in some diced peppers or chili flakes. This gives the soup a fun, fiery twist. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet depth. All these twists make the soup exciting and unique.
For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss section.
Storage Info
Proper Refrigeration Techniques
To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour it into a clean, airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it gently on the stove.
Freezing Tips
If you have more soup than you can eat, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Pour the cooled soup into them, leaving space at the top. This helps it freeze well without breaking the container.
To thaw, move the soup to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. Stir often to keep it smooth.
Shelf Life Expectations
In the fridge, your creamy tomato basil soup will last about five days. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Be sure to label the containers with the date. This way, you won’t forget how long it has been stored. Enjoy your delicious soup whenever you want!
FAQs
How can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup healthier?
You can make this soup healthier in a few simple ways. First, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a low-fat option. This change cuts down on calories while still keeping it creamy. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce salt. If you want more veggies, add carrots or spinach. They boost nutrition without changing the taste much. Lastly, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones for more vitamins.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, fresh basil gives a brighter flavor. If you use dried, reduce the amount since it’s stronger. A good rule is to use one-third of the amount of dried herbs. Mix them in at the start to let their flavors bloom. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs well with many sides. A classic choice is grilled cheese sandwiches. Their crunch complements the soup’s creaminess. You can also serve a fresh salad with mixed greens. Croutons add a nice crunch too. For a twist, try garlic bread or a savory focaccia. Each option enhances your meal and makes it more filling. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section!
This post covered key ingredients for creamy tomato basil soup and how to make it. I shared steps for preparation, blending, and serving. You learned tips for perfect texture and flavor, along with creative variations. Remember to store leftovers properly and know how long they last. With these insights, you can create a delicious soup. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own!
