![- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth The base of this soup starts with olive oil, onion, and garlic. I love how these flavors mix. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the onion brings sweetness. Next, we pour in crushed tomatoes. They give the soup its rich color and taste. Vegetable broth adds depth, making every spoonful comforting. - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) Now, we move to seasoning. I add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Dried oregano brings warmth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. The cream is key to that velvety texture. You can use coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. - Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish - Crusty bread, for serving Garnishing is where the soup shines! I love to sprinkle fresh basil on top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Serve this soup with crusty bread for dipping. It makes the meal complete and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the section above. To start your creamy tomato basil soup, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. This step builds a great flavor base. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 minutes until you smell that wonderful aroma. Now it’s time to pour in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir everything together for a nice mix. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mix to a soft simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well together. After simmering, it’s time to season the soup. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little sweetness, you can add more sugar. Next, blend the soup until it is smooth. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup in batches into a regular blender. Make sure to cover the lid with a towel to prevent splatters. Once the soup is smooth, return it to the pot. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead. Heat it gently for about 5 minutes but avoid boiling. Finally, taste again and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper as needed. Serve hot! You can garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves. Pair it with crusty bread for a delightful meal. For the full recipe, check the section above. To get the best creamy tomato basil soup, focus on two key areas: consistency and flavor balance. - Maintaining the right consistency: After blending, your soup should be smooth and thick. If it's too thick, add a splash of broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to cook off excess liquid. - Balancing flavors with seasoning: Taste as you cook! Start with salt and pepper. Add more sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic. A little sugar can brighten the flavors. Serving your soup well makes it even more enjoyable. - Ideal serving dishes: Use rustic bowls for a cozy feel. The thicker the bowl, the better it holds heat. - Garnishing for visual appeal: Drizzle some cream on top before serving. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. This makes your soup look inviting and fresh. You can save time without losing flavor. - Using store-bought ingredients: Canned crushed tomatoes and pre-chopped garlic can save you lots of time. - Meal prep suggestions: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers. This way, you always have a warm, tasty meal ready. When you need it, just heat and serve! For the complete recipe and more detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream makes the soup rich and creamy. It adds a hint of sweetness too. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor. If you need a thick soup, try blending in some cooked potatoes or cauliflower. They blend well and add creaminess without dairy. For a gluten-free soup, choose a gluten-free vegetable broth. Many store brands are available, so check the labels. You can enjoy this soup without bread. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies instead. This way, you keep the meal light and healthy. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat. If you want, try adding chopped spinach or bell peppers. They add color and extra nutrients. Each option gives a new twist to this classic soup. Before you store your creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool down. This step is key. If you store hot soup, it can create moisture in the container. Use a large pot to cool the soup quickly. Stir it often to speed up the process. Once cooled, transfer the soup into suitable containers. I recommend using airtight containers. They keep the soup fresh and prevent spills. When reheating your soup, you want to keep its rich flavor. The best way is to use a stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you're in a hurry, a microwave is fine too. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps keep the soup smooth and tasty. In the fridge, your creamy tomato basil soup lasts about 3 to 5 days. Store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to leave some space in the container, as soup expands when frozen. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your comforting soup whenever you crave it! Can I freeze creamy tomato basil soup? Yes, you can freeze creamy tomato basil soup. Allow it to cool first. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months. How do I make the soup spicier? To spice up your soup, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount. You can always add more as you taste. You can also include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Can I substitute fresh basil for dried? Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh. Use one teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust based on your taste. Caloric content per serving Each serving of creamy tomato basil soup has about 300 calories. This value can change based on the cream used. Coconut cream will alter the calorie count slightly. Health benefits of key ingredients - Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C. - Basil: Good for digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Olive oil: Contains healthy fats that support heart health. - Garlic: Boosts the immune system and adds flavor. What to serve with creamy tomato basil soup? Pair your soup with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a fresh salad. These options add texture and flavors that complement the soup well. Croutons versus bread: what's better? Croutons add a nice crunch and flavor to the soup. However, crusty bread is great for dipping and soaking up the soup. It depends on your preference! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This article covered how to make creamy tomato basil soup. We looked at key ingredients like tomatoes, broth, and cream. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and variations for dietary needs. We also discussed storage information and answered common questions. In summary, this soup is easy, tasty, and versatile. Enjoy making it your own with different flavors and ingredients. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1c8e55cc-8b58-4c99-8ba0-1746884d5fe2-250x250.webp)
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Warm your soul with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that's bursting with flavor! This comforting recipe guides you through each step, from sautéing onions and garlic to blending the perfect velvety texture. Discover delicious variations, handy storage tips, and expert cooking advice to make your soups shine. Ready to create this delightful dish? Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your comfort food game!