Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

$To make the best creamy tomato basil soup, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here is what you'll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Crusty bread or grilled cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients create a rich and creamy soup. Each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture. If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients. Here are a few options: - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. - Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer. - For a low-sodium option, choose low-sodium canned tomatoes and broth. - You can replace sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetener. These substitutions keep the soup tasty while catering to different diets. Garnishes can elevate your soup. Here are some ideas: - Add extra fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. - Drizzle olive oil for added richness. - Sprinkle parmesan cheese for a salty finish. - Serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a comforting meal. These options let you customize your soup and make it even more enjoyable! Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil. Chop the onion and garlic finely. This helps them cook faster and blend well into the soup. Measure out the other ingredients, so you are ready to go. 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. Cook until the onion is soft and clear. 3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. 4. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir everything together. 5. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well. 6. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. 7. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, blend in batches after cooling slightly. 8. Return the smooth soup to low heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Don’t let it boil. 9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 10. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. This adds a fresh flavor. 11. Serve hot. Garnish with more fresh basil leaves. Enjoy with crusty bread or grilled cheese if you like. Using an immersion blender is easy and fun. Hold it steady while blending to avoid splashes. Start blending at the bottom, then move it up and down. This ensures a smooth texture. If your soup is too hot, let it cool a bit before blending. Always blend in small batches if you use a traditional blender. This keeps the mess down and prevents burns. For more tips, check the Full Recipe for the perfect creamy tomato basil soup. To make your creamy tomato basil soup truly shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh basil adds a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust with salt, pepper, or sugar to balance flavors. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the soup's depth. Many people rush the cooking process. Don't skip simmering; this helps flavors blend well. Avoid using low-quality tomatoes. They can make your soup taste flat. Be careful with the cream; adding it too fast can curdle it. Lastly, avoid overblending the soup. You want a smooth texture, not a watery one. Having the right tools can make a big difference. Here are my top picks: - Large pot: A sturdy pot helps with even cooking. - Immersion blender: This makes blending easy and safe. - Cutting board and knife: Sharp tools save time and effort. - Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for great flavor. These tools will help you create the best creamy tomato basil soup. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup vegan. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This change gives you a rich texture without dairy. Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. You can also add a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and adds a fresh taste. This creamy tomato basil soup is naturally gluten-free. Use corn starch or rice flour to thicken it if needed. These options work well and keep the soup smooth. Always check labels on store-bought ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you avoid any hidden gluten. Change up ingredients based on the season. In summer, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. They provide a fresh and bright flavor. In the fall, add roasted red peppers for depth. You can also mix in seasonal herbs, like thyme, for a twist. This flexibility makes the soup fun to prepare. You can enjoy new flavors while sticking to the original recipe. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss. After enjoying your creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool down. Pour the soup into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for later. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your soup, first let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Leave a little space at the top since soup expands when frozen. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just label the containers with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat your soup, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For quick reheating, use the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but make sure to stir midway for even heating. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup again! Check out the Full Recipe to recreate this delightful dish. You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This gives the soup a rich texture. Use the same amount. You can also add extra herbs for flavor. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste too. This creamy tomato basil soup shines with crusty bread. A grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly. You can also sprinkle extra basil on top. For a twist, add a dollop of pesto. Serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes work well. Blanch and peel them first. Chop them into smaller pieces before adding. Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor to the soup. You may need to adjust cooking time for freshness. To try the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss section. This blog post covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making creamy tomato basil soup. We explored tips to enhance flavor, avoid common mistakes, and recommended tools for success. I've shared variations, including vegan and gluten-free options. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your soup fresh. With these insights, you can create delicious soup that suits many tastes and needs. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this recipe your own!$

Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss that will warm your soul! This delightful recipe combines fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy goodness that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick family meal, serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a comforting experience. Click through to explore this easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Crusty bread or grilled cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant but not browned.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Add the dried oregano and sugar, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This will enable the flavors to meld beautifully.

Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If using a traditional blender, please allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending in batches to prevent splattering.

Return the smooth soup to low heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm through without boiling. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Once warmed, remove the pot from the heat and gently fold in the chopped basil leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves on top. For a comforting meal, pair with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6