This warm and comforting tomato basil soup is a classic favorite! With its fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days!
Making this soup is super fun! I love serving it with a side of grilled cheese. Who can resist that combo? It’s the perfect treat for lunch or dinner! 🥪🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing onions and garlic. If you’re out, you can use butter or another cooking oil like canola or avocado oil.
Onion: Regular yellow onions work best for flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, switch to shallots or even leeks!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a bright flavor, but if it’s hard to find ripe ones, canned tomatoes are a fantastic alternative. Whole peeled tomatoes are especially good—just crush them before adding.
Basil: Fresh basil is best for that aromatic taste, but dried basil can work in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon. Just remember it’s less potent!
Heavy Cream: For a richer soup, heavy cream is my go-to. If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or even coconut milk can work well!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Making Soup?
One important step is sautéing your onions and garlic. This builds a strong flavor base! When cooking, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the onions; you want them to sizzle!
- Cook the onions until they’re translucent, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This step is key!
- Add garlic last, since it cooks faster. Just 1 minute will enhance the flavor without burning.
When blending the soup, let it cool slightly before transferring to avoid splatters. An immersion blender is perfect for this; it keeps things simple and reduces cleanup!
Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus a few whole leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Toasted bread or croutons for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tomato basil soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy. A warm and tasty meal in almost no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. This helps build a flavorful foundation for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Give it about 1 minute of cooking time until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Now, add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with their juice) into the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and release their juices!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Time to add the broth! Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is when all those delicious flavors come together!
5. Add Basil and Sugar:
After simmering, stir in the chopped basil leaves and sugar (if you’re using it to balance the acidity). Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
6. Blend the Soup:
To make the soup nice and smooth, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree it until creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
7. Final Touches:
Return the soup to the pot if you used a blender. If you want a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream now. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s time for a final taste test!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls. For a lovely finish, garnish each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole basil leaves. Serve hot with toasted bread or croutons on the side. Enjoy your cozy meal!
This classic tomato basil soup is a perfect comfort food for any day. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great alternative, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Use two 28 oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes, and include their juice for added flavor.
How Do I Make the Soup Vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply omit the heavy cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also blend in some cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Soup?
Yes! If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth. Conversely, add more broth or a splash of water if you like it thinner. Just adjust it to your taste!
