Introduction
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup on a chilly day. This homemade soup is smooth, rich, and full of fresh flavors from tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Whether you’re serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoying it on its own, this easy step-by-step recipe will help you make the best tomato soup at home.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 large ripe tomatoes (chopped) or 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons or toasted bread
- A drizzle of heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) to the pot.
- Stir in oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and become soft.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
- Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- If using a regular blender, blend in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.
Step 5: Add Basil and Cream
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in chopped fresh basil.
- Pour in heavy cream and mix well for a rich, creamy texture.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes on low heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or croutons.
- Serve hot with grilled cheese, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Tips and Variations
- Roasted Tomato Version: Roast fresh tomatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before blending for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Thicker Soup: Add 1 small boiled potato while blending for extra thickness.
- Extra Flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar before serving for a tangy twist.
- Make-Ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup Soup)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g