![To make a tasty creamy tomato basil soup, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) high-quality crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Optional: A drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finishing touch Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. High-quality tomatoes give your soup a rich taste. If you want a twist, consider using coconut cream for a dairy-free version. This soup is versatile, and you can change it based on what you like. Making creamy tomato basil soup is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to create a rich and flavorful delight. - Start by warming 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - When the oil is hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. - Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Carefully pour in 1 can (28 ounces) of high-quality crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything. - Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This time helps the flavors blend nicely. - After simmering, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender. Always let steam escape to prevent splattering. - Pour the smooth soup back into the pot and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Heat it over low heat until warm, but do not let it boil. - Finally, remove the pot from heat and fold in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed. - Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this creamy tomato basil soup, inspired by the Full Recipe. To make your creamy tomato basil soup stand out, start with sautéing. Use extra virgin olive oil to heat a pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions first. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. This process softens the onion and brings out its natural sweetness. Next, toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. For blending, an immersion blender works best. It lets you purée the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, use a countertop blender. Just remember to let steam escape. This will prevent splatters and messes. Blend until smooth for that perfect creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with tomatoes. You can also play with flavors by adding herbs. Try fresh thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. These small changes can create a unique twist on the classic recipe. Garnishing your soup can enhance its look and taste. Use whole basil leaves for a fresh touch. A delicate swirl of cream can add elegance. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread. It soaks up the soup perfectly. Pairing these two makes for a cozy dining experience. {{image_4}} You can spice up your creamy tomato basil soup easily. Adding red pepper flakes brings heat and warmth. Start with a pinch. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice. For an Italian twist, try adding Italian herbs. Think thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. A few dried basil leaves can also add depth. If you want a vegan version, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps it rich without dairy. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for protein. They mix well and add texture. Another tasty option is to use almond milk. It provides a lighter touch. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a bright twist. In summer, diced zucchini or bell peppers can add crunch. For fall, consider adding roasted pumpkin or butternut squash. They give a sweet, earthy flavor. You can even adjust the spices to include cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Using seasonal veggies keeps the soup fresh and exciting. Don’t forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more tips! To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. For longer storage, freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When reheating, use the stove for best results. Pour the soup into a pot over low heat. Stir it often to keep the texture smooth. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. To prevent the cream from separating, lower the heat and stir gently. This keeps the soup creamy and delicious. You can make the soup ahead of time. This is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Before serving, warm the soup and add fresh basil. This last-minute touch brightens the flavors. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze for a fancy finish, making it look and taste gourmet. Enjoy your delightful bowl! Creamy Tomato Basil Soup lasts about five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first before putting it away. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. It can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. They give a bright flavor to the soup. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. First, you will need to peel and chop them. This can take more time than using canned tomatoes, but the taste is worth it. If you want a sweeter flavor, add a bit more sugar. Yes, this soup is gluten-free. The ingredients do not contain any gluten. Just make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the label to be safe. Enjoy this soup without worry! This blog post offers a clear guide to making a delicious creamy tomato basil soup. We covered important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to customize the recipe with variations and substitutions. Remember, good cooking comes from following these steps and using fresh ingredients. Enjoy the rich flavor and comfort of this soup with loved ones. Your kitchen is now a great place for creating warm memories!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3e560b81-0b2c-44ba-aa9c-4862881a3de5-250x250.webp)
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Warm up your day with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that's rich and flavorful! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of heavy cream to deliver a delightful taste. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on your own, it’s versatile enough to adjust for dietary preferences. Dive into the full recipe for step-by-step instructions and tips to make your soup shine. Click to explore and savor every delicious spoonful!