This warm and cozy tomato soup is the perfect comfort food! It features ripe tomatoes blended with herbs and a hint of cream, making it smooth and tasty.
Honestly, there’s nothing like a bowl of this soup with some grilled cheese on the side. It always brightens my day, and it’s super easy to whip up! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the soup. You can substitute it with butter for a creamier flavor or any other cooking oil you have on hand, like avocado oil.
Onion: A sweet onion, like a Vidalia, works great for flavor. If you need a substitute, shallots can be a nice alternative, or even leeks for a different taste.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are ideal, but if they’re out of season, use good-quality canned tomatoes. Plum tomatoes or even crushed tomatoes work well too!
Broth: Vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option. Chicken broth will give a richer taste, but any broth will do, so use what you have!
Heavy Cream: This adds a creamy texture. For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. Almond milk can also work, but it will have a different texture.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Tomatoes?
The key to a flavorful tomato soup lies in how you prepare the tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, roasting them first can enhance their sweetness. Just cut them in half, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This makes the soup deeply flavorful!
- If you’re using canned tomatoes, choose quality brands as they can have a big impact on flavor.
- Adding fresh basil at the end helps brighten the soup up.
- Don’t forget to balance acidity! If your soup tastes too tangy, a teaspoon of sugar can help mellow it. Taste as you go!
Cooking is about personal touch; taste and adjust according to your preference, whether it’s adding spice or extra cream!
Classic Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs (about 6-7 medium) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12), plus more for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Bread slices or croutons for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make this delicious tomato soup, you’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy meal or to add to your weekly meal prep.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Keep an eye on it—it can burn easily!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add your chopped fresh tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes) to the pot. Stir and let this cook for about 10 minutes. This gives the tomatoes time to break down and mingle with the aromatics.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. If you chose to use sugar, add it to the pot along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together!
5. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to develop and deepen.
6. Add Fresh Basil:
Once your soup is aromatic and simmered down, remove it from the heat and toss in the fresh basil leaves. The warmth will help release their beautiful flavor!
7. Blend Until Smooth:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend, and then return to the pot. Be careful, as it’s hot!
8. Stir in Cream:
If you want that creamy touch, gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Warm it through, but don’t let it boil to keep the cream from curdling.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Now’s the time to taste! Add more salt, pepper, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your lovely tomato soup hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of cream. Don’t forget to add some crusty bread or croutons for that perfect dip!
Enjoy your rich, velvety tomato soup crowned with fragrant basil!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great alternative and convenient choice. Use 2 cans of whole or crushed tomatoes for the same delicious flavor. Just remember to include the juice for richness!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make this tomato soup vegan, simply use vegetable broth and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a splash of almond milk. This will keep it creamy without any dairy.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
After the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Simply thaw before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and sauté them along with the onions. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender.