This Tomato Basil Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and just the right amount of seasoning. Perfect with a slice of bread!
I love how easy this soup is to whip up. Just blend, heat, and enjoy! Sometimes, I even add a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra tasty touch. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the star here! If they’re out of season or not available, use canned whole peeled tomatoes. They are often rich and flavorful, making a great substitute.
Fresh Basil: This herb adds a fresh taste! If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use only 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a strong flavor base for the soup. If you’re short on fresh, frozen diced onions and garlic can be great substitutes.
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but Greek yogurt or coconut milk can provide a lighter alternative or a dairy-free option.
Croutons: Homemade croutons are a favorite! Toss cubed bread in olive oil and seasonings of choice, then bake until crispy. Store-bought croutons are also fine for a quick fix.
What’s the Best Way to Puree the Soup Smoothly?
Pureeing the soup is essential for that silky texture. Using an immersion blender is the easiest option as it allows you to blend right in the pot! If you use a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splashes. Hold the lid down with a towel for safety, and be careful blending hot liquids.
- For the immersion blender, blend until smooth – it usually takes 1-2 minutes.
- If using a regular blender, fill it halfway to prevent overflow, and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning after blending; flavors can change slightly! Enjoy making this comforting soup!
How to Make Tomato Basil Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Croutons, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tomato Basil Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes total (including cooking time). You’ll spend some time sautéing the vegetables and then letting it simmer, which helps all the flavors come together. Easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This creates a lovely base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the delicious garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the chopped tomatoes. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, let them cook down for about 10-15 minutes until they start breaking apart and releasing their juices. If you opted for canned tomatoes, simply break them up with a spoon as they heat.
4. Add Broth and Basil:
Pour the broth into the pot and add the chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is the magic moment when all the flavors meld!
5. Puree the Soup:
Once the soup has simmered, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return it to the pot afterward.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add sugar if you wish (it helps balance the acidity), and then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go; it’s all about what you love!
7. Make it Creamy:
If you want a creamy soup, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half at this point. Warm it through gently without boiling, which should take just a few minutes.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with croutons for crunch, a few fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese if you like. It adds a lovely touch!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your comforting Tomato Basil Soup hot, alongside crusty bread or a tasty sandwich. Enjoy every slurp of this deliciously vibrant soup!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great substitute. Use 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes and make sure to break them up as they heat. They can often be more flavorful than fresh ones out of season!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make this soup vegan, simply skip the heavy cream or half-and-half and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be delicious and creamy without the dairy!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Serve with Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! A classic grilled cheese sandwich works wonderfully, as does crusty bread, a simple salad, or even a fresh baguette for dipping. Enjoy your meal!