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To make the perfect creamy tomato basil soup, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano - 2 cups vegetable broth, low sodium preferred - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed and coarsely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) You can swap some ingredients for what you have at home. If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a vegan version, try coconut milk or cashew cream. If you do not have fresh basil, dried basil works too; just use less. You can also use onion powder if you run out of fresh onion. Remember, the key is to keep the flavors bright and fresh. Fresh tomatoes can add great taste, but they require time to cook down. Canned tomatoes, especially San Marzano, offer rich flavor and convenience. They are picked at peak ripeness, making them a great choice for quick soups. If you choose fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds and peel them for the best results. Both options work well, so choose what fits your time and taste! To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, heavy cream, fresh basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Set everything on your counter to make cooking smooth and fun. 1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shines. 2. Sauté the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion. Stir it for about 5 minutes. Wait until the onion is soft and translucent. 3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for an extra minute. It should smell great but not brown. 4. Mix in Tomatoes and Broth: Carefully pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and some black pepper. Mix it all well. 5. Simmer the Soup: Bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. 6. Blend the Soup: After 20 minutes, take the pot off the heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it directly in the pot. If not, carefully pour the soup in batches into a stand blender. Blend until smooth. 7. Add Cream and Herbs: Return the smooth soup to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, fresh basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. 8. Heat Gently: Put the pot back on low heat. Warm it gently, stirring for about 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. 9. Serve with Style: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or a swirl of cream for a nice touch. When blending, be cautious. Hot soup can splash. If using a stand blender, fill it halfway and let steam escape. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less. An immersion blender gives you more control and lets you blend right in the pot. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss section! To make your creamy tomato basil soup shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh basil adds a bright taste that dried herbs can’t match. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes, like San Marzano, for deep flavor. Add a pinch of sugar. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes. For an extra kick, toss in red pepper flakes. This small addition can change the soup's profile. Pair your soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Grilled cheese sandwiches also make a perfect side. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette brightens the meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese on top. This adds creaminess and tang. Serve the soup hot, in a bowl that holds heat well. For a beautiful touch, swirl in some heavy cream. Top with fresh basil leaves for color. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for richness. This will impress your guests and make your meal feel special. Remember, presentation matters. A well-served dish makes the meal more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can make a vegan version of this creamy tomato basil soup. Start with the same base as the original. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options add richness and a nice flavor. You’ll still want to keep the crushed tomatoes and fresh basil. This vegan twist is just as delicious and perfect for cozy nights. If you want to add protein, consider using lentils or chickpeas. Both options work well in the soup. Cook them separately and add them to the pot before blending. You can also toss in some shredded chicken or cooked sausage for a heartier meal. These additions make the soup more filling and satisfying. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder soup, skip the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth. Adjusting the spice level helps you customize the soup to your taste. For more cooking ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After making your creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Always seal the container well to keep the soup from picking up other smells. To freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand when frozen. It can last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Heat until it's warm throughout. You want it smooth and creamy, just like the first time! Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this delicious dish. To make creamy tomato basil soup from scratch, follow these steps. Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Sauté chopped onion until soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook briefly. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Blend the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Warm it gently before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones. For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh. However, use less dried basil since it is more concentrated. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried basil. So, if the recipe calls for one cup of fresh basil, use about one-third cup of dried basil. Dried basil works well in this soup but may not have the same bright flavor. Fresh basil gives a vibrant taste and aroma that enhances the dish. Garnishes add flair and flavor to your soup. Here are some great options: - Fresh basil leaves: They enhance the herb flavor. - A swirl of heavy cream: It adds richness and looks beautiful. - Croutons: They give a nice crunch. - Grated Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty, cheesy flavor. - A drizzle of olive oil: It adds a touch of elegance. Choose your favorite garnishes and enjoy a lovely bowl of soup! This article covered all you need for a tasty creamy tomato basil soup. We looked at key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to boost flavor. Remember, you can swap fresh tomatoes with canned ones if needed. You can even customize the soup to your taste or dietary needs. Store leftovers properly, and enjoy them later. With the right ingredients and tips, making this soup can be fun and simple. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy tomato basil recipe! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a rich and velvety soup that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this dish combines luscious cream with fresh basil and aromatic ingredients. Don’t miss out on this delightful recipe - click through to explore how to make this creamy tomato basil bliss for an unforgettable meal!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano

2 cups vegetable broth, low sodium preferred

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed and coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

    Next, stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant and golden, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

      Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Add the granulated sugar, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir well to integrate all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook uncovered for 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and deepen.

          After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. If using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it’s completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender and blend until silky, being cautious of the hot liquid.

            Return the smooth soup back to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, making sure it’s well incorporated. Then add the chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and if you like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes.

              Put the pot back on low heat, warming the soup gently while stirring occasionally until everything is heated through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.

                To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each portion with a few fresh basil leaves or a delicate swirl of cream on top.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4