Heavenly Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen always swirl around this creamy tomato basil soup that warms hearts instantly.

Soft aromas of ripe tomatoes mingling with fresh herbs transport me back to childhood summers.

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl, promising pure culinary bliss.

Rich textures and vibrant colors create an invitation you can’t resist.

Simple ingredients dance together, revealing unexpected depths of flavor.

Hearty spoonfuls promise comfort and satisfaction with every delectable bite.

This soup whispers stories of love, tradition, and pure deliciousness.

Let’s uncover the magic that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup That Hugs Your Spoon

• Kids and adults will love the creamy texture and mild tomato taste, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone can enjoy together.
• Transform this soup into a complete dinner by pairing it with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or a simple salad for a filling and nutritious meal.
• Create a restaurant-quality soup using basic pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, proving that delicious cooking doesn't require complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Tomato Basil Soup Bliss

• Canned Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: The heart of the soup, providing rich tomato flavor and smooth texture. San Marzano or whole peeled tomatoes work best for authentic taste.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the soup. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavor foundation with sweet and pungent notes. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Sugar: Balance flavors and enhance overall taste. Kosher salt recommended for better seasoning.

• Fresh Basil, Heavy Cream: Adds freshness and creaminess to the soup. Use fresh basil leaves for vibrant flavor, and room temperature cream for smooth incorporation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish for extra savory depth. Freshly grated provides best flavor.

Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup at Home

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame
• Toss chopped onions and caramelize until golden and soft
• Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and releasing its wonderful aroma

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Introduce
• Canned tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Pour vegetable broth and gently combine
• Bring mixture to a rolling boil
• Reduce heat and let simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify

Step 3: Transform Texture

• Remove pot from heat
• Sprinkle fresh basil leaves
• Puree soup using immersion blender until silky smooth
• Gently fold in heavy cream
• Warm soup without boiling
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Step 4: Elevate and Serve

• Ladle soup into warm bowls
• Garnish with
• Fresh basil ribbons
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cream swirl
• Accompany with grilled cheese or crusty sourdough bread

Tips to Perfect Tomato Basil Soup Flavor

• Choose Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant and sweet flavor profile in your soup.
• Control Cream Consistency: Adjust cream amount to create a lighter or richer soup based on personal preference or dietary needs.
• Roast Tomatoes First: Enhance depth of flavor by roasting tomatoes with garlic and herbs before adding to the soup base.
• Freeze for Later: Store soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving space for expansion and removing air to prevent freezer burn.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap dairy cream with coconut milk for a vegan version or use low-fat alternatives for a lighter recipe.

Save and Reheat Tomato Soup Without Splitting

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of cream.

Top Picks to Pair with Tomato Basil Soup

• Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's creamy richness and complement its bright tomato flavors.
• Grill a sharp cheddar cheese sandwich on rustic sourdough bread, creating a classic dunking partner that adds textural contrast and savory depth to the soup.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped basil on top, introducing a nutty crispness and aromatic layer that enhances the soup's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Add a small arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a peppery, tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between creamy soup bites.

Fresh Takes on a Classic Tomato Soup

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup: Replace dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Roasted Vegetable Variation: Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic before adding to the soup for deeper, caramelized flavors. Add smoked paprika for extra depth.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia. Use heavy cream and add extra olive oil for richness. Garnish with crispy bacon bits for additional fat content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, ground cumin, and a dash of harissa paste. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.

FAQs for Tomato Soup Fans

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming too acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or baking soda during cooking to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity and reduce the sharp, tangy flavor.

• Can I make this soup without an immersion blender?

Yes, use a standard blender or food processor. Blend in small batches and be careful with hot liquid – remove the center lid cap and cover with a towel to allow steam to escape.

• What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Use canned whole San Marzano tomatoes for the richest flavor. They are sweeter, less acidic, and provide a deeper, more authentic tomato taste compared to other varieties.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and does not contain meat. If you want to keep it fully vegetarian, use plant-based cream or skip the cream altogether.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian-style Creamy Tomato Basil Soup blends summer’s ripest tomatoes with fragrant herbs into silky smooth comfort. Rich Mediterranean flavors invite warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can whole or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
• ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Grated Parmesan (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allowing the fragrant notes to permeate the foundation of the soup.
3. Incorporate canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that will define the soup’s character.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create a harmonious liquid base.
5. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer uncovered, letting the flavors meld and intensify for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Remove the pot from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves, their vibrant green color and herbaceous aroma adding depth to the soup.
7. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, carefully purveeing until a silky, uniform consistency is achieved. Alternatively, transfer to a standard blender in careful batches.
8. Gently introduce cream, stirring delicately to maintain the soup’s velvety smoothness. Warm slightly without allowing the mixture to boil.
9. Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or herbs to personal preference.
10. Serve in warmed bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a delicate cream swirl. Accompany with a crisp grilled cheese or toasted sourdough slice for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Select ripe, high-quality canned tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor profile and rich texture.
• Caramelize onions slowly to develop deeper sweetness and complexity in the soup’s base.
• Use an immersion blender for smoother consistency and easier cleanup compared to transferring to a standard blender.
• Lower the fat content by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dietary-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg