![To make creamy tomato basil soup, gather these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped For a touch of flair, you can use: - Croutons - Fresh basil leaves These add texture and color to the soup. They also enhance the flavor of every spoonful. If you have allergies, here are some simple swaps: - Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for dairy allergies. - Replace olive oil with avocado oil if you're sensitive to olives. - For a gluten-free option, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. These swaps help you enjoy this creamy tomato basil soup without worry. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps! Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. Stir it often until the garlic smells nice and turns light brown. Now, carefully pour in 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes. I like to use fire-roasted tomatoes for added flavor. Then, add 1 cup of vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend nicely. After the soup has simmered, remove the pot from the heat. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. If you don’t have one, you can use a countertop blender. Just remember to let the soup cool for a few minutes before blending. This avoids hot soup splattering everywhere. Blend until it looks creamy and smooth. Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Also, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes but do not let it boil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. For serving, I suggest using warm bowls. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. Add croutons and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful look. This soup not only tastes good but also looks great on the table. Enjoy this velvety tomato basil bliss! For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. To boost the flavor of your creamy tomato basil soup, try a few simple tricks. First, use fire-roasted tomatoes. They add a deep, smoky taste. Next, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This will brighten the flavors. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Thyme or oregano pairs well with basil. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This will give your soup a nice warmth. Many people make mistakes when cooking this soup. One common error is not sautéing the onion long enough. You want it soft and sweet. If you skip the sugar, the soup can taste too acidic. Be sure to blend the soup until smooth. Chunky soup can feel unappealing. Lastly, don’t let the soup boil after adding cream. It can curdle, ruining the texture. You don’t need fancy tools to make this soup. A large stockpot is a must. An immersion blender makes blending easy and fast. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works well too. Just remember to cool the soup a bit first. A good cutting board and sharp knife will help with chopping. Lastly, use measuring cups for accuracy. This ensures you get the right flavors. For the Full Recipe, follow the steps carefully for the best results. {{image_4}} To make this creamy tomato basil soup vegan, simply swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. Coconut milk gives the soup a rich texture without dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This option tastes great and keeps it plant-based. This soup is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour or gluten ingredients. Just check your canned tomatoes to ensure they are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry, and it still tastes amazing. Want to pack more nutrients? You can add extra veggies! Try diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just chop them small and add them when you sauté the onion. These additions boost flavor and nutrition without losing the creamy texture. For the full recipe, check out the Velvety Tomato Basil Bliss section. To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Always label your container. This helps you track how long it's been stored. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but do not let it boil. This keeps the flavors fresh and the cream smooth. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing works great. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 6-8 medium tomatoes. Start by blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This makes it easier to peel the skin off. Once peeled, chop them and add them to your pot. Fresh tomatoes will give your soup a bright, fresh taste. Just remember, it may take longer to cook down fresh tomatoes than canned. If you want a lighter option, use coconut milk. It adds creaminess without dairy. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you want a lower-calorie choice, try cashew cream. Just soak raw cashews in water for a few hours, blend until smooth, and stir it in. Each option gives the soup a unique flavor. To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños while cooking the onions. Another great option is to use chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust to fit your spice level. Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely and pour it into airtight containers. Leave some space at the top of each container. This allows the soup to expand as it freezes. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This creamy tomato basil soup keeps well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for about 4-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water when reheating. This helps restore its creamy texture. Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano work great. You can also try adding a bay leaf during cooking for more depth. Just remember to remove it before blending the soup. Add herbs at the end to keep their flavor bright and fresh. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You've learned the key ingredients and steps to create a delicious dish. We explored optional garnishes and tips for dietary substitutions. Following that, we went through step-by-step instructions for making a creamy base and serving it perfectly. Also, we shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. We even discussed variations like vegan and gluten-free options. Finally, we covered how to store leftovers and warm them up later. Enjoy using these insights to impress your family and friends!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/774980e8-4172-4fc5-ae24-73df531cf278-250x250.webp)
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Warm up with a delightful bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that's both simple and healthy! This easy recipe features fresh ingredients and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy meal. Discover step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a comforting classic or a vegan twist, this soup has you covered. Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking this tasty dish today!