Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

$To make a delicious creamy tomato basil soup, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful base. The olive oil adds a nice depth, while the garlic and onion bring sweetness and warmth. The diced tomatoes provide acidity, and the heavy cream makes the soup creamy and luscious. You can add a few extras to boost the flavor of your soup. Here are some optional ingredients: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for added herbs - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess These optional ingredients can take your soup to the next level. The red pepper flakes add warmth, while the Italian seasoning enhances the herb profile. A splash of balsamic vinegar can balance the sweetness of the tomatoes. Presentation matters. Consider garnishing your soup with: - Croutons for crunch - Additional fresh basil leaves for brightness - A drizzle of extra cream for visual appeal Garnishing adds texture and enhances the look of your dish. Croutons give a satisfying crunch, while fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor. A drizzle of cream can create an inviting swirl, making your soup even more appealing. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it shimmering but not smoking. Next, add the diced onion. Sauté this for about five minutes. Stir it now and then until it softens and turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can taste bitter. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Follow with the vegetable broth. If you like, add the teaspoon of sugar. This helps balance the tomato's acidity. Mix everything well. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Do this in batches and vent the lid to avoid pressure. Once blended, return the soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Warm it on low for about five minutes. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling. Finally, add the freshly chopped basil. Season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your taste. Cook it for another two minutes to let the basil flavor shine. Now, your creamy tomato basil soup is ready to serve! To make your soup creamy, start with good ingredients. Use heavy cream for richness, or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you want an extra creamy touch, add more cream after blending. This gives the soup a velvety finish. One mistake you can make is burning the garlic. Keep the heat low when adding it. If you let it burn, the soup will taste bitter. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Lastly, don’t skip simmering. This step helps the flavors blend well. If you’re short on time, use canned tomatoes. They cook faster than fresh ones. You can also chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to save time on cooking day. If you have a busy schedule, make a big batch and freeze some. This way, you can enjoy the soup anytime without the fuss. For the full recipe, check out the delicious steps above! {{image_4}} You can easily make creamy tomato basil soup vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It adds a nice texture and flavor. You can also swap vegetable broth for water if needed. This keeps the soup rich without any animal products. To boost protein, add grilled chicken or beans. Shredded chicken works great for a hearty meal. Just stir it in before serving. For a plant-based option, use white beans or chickpeas. They blend well with the soup's flavors. Both options make the soup more filling and satisfying. You can spice up your soup with fun flavors. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Or, mix in smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the flavor. Just remember to add them towards the end to keep their aroma fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on creamy tomato basil bliss. To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store the soup in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing works well. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. For best taste, try to use it sooner. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Heat gently until it’s hot. If you want, blend it again for a smooth texture. This way, it tastes just as good as when you first made it! You can serve many tasty sides with this soup. Here are some great options: - Grilled cheese sandwiches - Garlic bread or toast - A fresh green salad - Crispy croutons for added crunch Pairing these foods will make your meal feel complete and warm. The creamy soup and crunchy sides balance flavors well. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If you prefer fresh ones, here’s how: - Use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. - Blanch them to remove the skin if desired. - This gives the soup a bright flavor. Fresh tomatoes can add a nice touch to the soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed. If you like some heat, there are easy ways to spice up your soup: - Add red pepper flakes while cooking. - Stir in a diced jalapeño with the onions. - Use spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. These options will add warmth and depth to the soup's flavor. Enjoy experimenting with the spice level! This article shared all you need for creamy tomato basil soup. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best texture. I also covered variations for different diets and ways to store leftovers. Remember, with a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy this soup any way you like. Trust your taste buds, experiment freely, and savor every spoonful. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss with this easy recipe! Discover how to make a luscious tomato soup, packed with flavor from sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh basil. This creamy delight, perfect for any occasion, is ready in just 40 minutes. Follow the simple steps to create a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)

2 cups vegetable broth

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

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness and balance acidity)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Croutons and additional fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent.

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can impart a bitter flavor to the soup.

Combine Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. If desired, add the teaspoon of sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Mix well.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

Puree the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the hot soup into a countertop blender in batches, ensuring to vent the lid to prevent pressure build-up.

Incorporate Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender). Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), and warm the soup on low heat for about 5 minutes, just until it’s heated through. Avoid boiling at this stage to keep the cream from curdling.

Finish with Basil and Seasoning: Add the freshly chopped basil to the soup. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the basil flavors to infuse throughout the soup.

Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of croutons and additional fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls, drizzling a bit of extra cream on top for an eye-catching swirl. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh basil and a handful of crunchy homemade croutons for added texture and visual appeal. Enjoy the delightful harmony of creamy tomato and aromatic basil in each spoonful!