Save A creamy, vibrant tomato and basil soup thats bursting with rich flavor and perfect for cozy days. Silky-smooth with just the right touch of herbs, this comforting classic is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
This soup has become a family favorite on chilly evenings. Its warmth and freshness always bring comfort and smiles to our table.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Ripe tomatoes: 2 lbs (900 g) chopped or 2 cans 28 oz whole peeled tomatoes drained
- Carrot: 1 medium peeled and diced
- Vegetable stock: 3 cups (720 ml) gluten-free if required
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) or coconut cream for dairy-free option
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp optional to balance acidity
- Salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp optional for heat
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup (15 g) packed plus extra for garnish
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp optional for richness
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2:
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Stir in the tomato paste cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4:
- Add the chopped tomatoes vegetable stock sugar if using salt pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
- Step 6:
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to purée the soup until smooth.
- Step 7:
- Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the cream and butter until fully incorporated and heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 8:
- Ladle into bowls garnish with extra basil and serve hot.
Save This soup always brings everyone together at the dinner table. Its warmth and aroma create lasting family memories.
Required Tools
Large pot Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Immersion blender or countertop blender Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains dairy heavy cream butter May contain gluten if non-gluten-free stock is used For dairy-free or vegan diets substitute coconut cream and omit butter Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 4 g per serving
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This tomato and basil soup is the perfect balance of freshness and comfort making it ideal for any season.
Common Questions
- → What makes the soup creamy?
The smooth creaminess comes from the addition of heavy cream or coconut cream, added at the end of cooking to enrich the texture.
- → Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, whole peeled canned tomatoes can be used and provide an excellent depth of flavor when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
- → How do I intensify the tomato flavor?
Roasting fresh tomatoes before cooking and adding a bit of tomato paste adds richer and deeper tomato notes.
- → Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit butter or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- → What herbs complement the soup best?
Fresh basil provides a sweet, aromatic lift to the tomato base, while optional red pepper flakes add subtle heat.
- → What is a good side to serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly, enhancing the cozy meal experience.