Description
This comforting Tomato Basil Soup combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil with creamy richness, making it a perfect easy-to-make dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes balanced by creamy texture and subtle spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Seasonings and Finish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Add the canned tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth to the pot.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon to release their juices and meld flavors.
- Season and add basil: Stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, and chopped basil, then remove the pot from heat.
- Puree soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
- Add cream: Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in heavy cream, and gently heat through without boiling.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream for extra richness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream or omit the cream entirely.
- You can use about 2 1/2 pounds of fresh tomatoes in place of canned; roasting them beforehand enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
