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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allowing the fragrant notes to permeate the foundation of the soup.
- Incorporate canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano, creating a rich and complex flavor profile that will define the soup’s character.
- Pour vegetable broth into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create a harmonious liquid base.
- 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.
- Remove the pot from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves, their vibrant green color and herbaceous aroma adding depth to the soup.
- 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.
- Gently introduce cream, stirring delicately to maintain the soup’s velvety smoothness. Warm slightly without allowing the mixture to boil.
- Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or herbs to personal preference.
- 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