Cozy Velvety Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Simmering with rich, hearty flavors, this tomato basil soup weaves culinary magic that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes blend seamlessly with fragrant basil leaves, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each spoonful promises comfort and warmth, reminiscent of traditional Italian kitchens.

Creamy and smooth, the soup captures the essence of homemade goodness with minimal effort.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this classic recipe from simple to spectacular.

Served steaming hot, this soup offers a delightful embrace of comfort and flavor that beckons you to savor every delectable moment.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that nourishes both body and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth cooking foundation with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
• Onion: Delivers a sweet, deep flavor base and creates aromatic depth for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes and enhances overall savory complexity.

• Canned Tomatoes: Offers vibrant, concentrated tomato flavor and smooth texture.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato richness and provides natural thickening.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes and rounds out flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and highlights all other ingredients' natural tastes.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle warmth and subtle spicy undertone.
• Oregano: Brings earthy, slightly bitter herbaceous notes typical in Mediterranean cuisine.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates a light, flavorful liquid base with additional vegetable essence.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, peppery herbal freshness and aromatic complexity.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and softens the tomato's sharp edges.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty garnish with delightful umami undertones.

Must-Have Tools for Tomato Basil Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering soup, provides ample space for ingredients.
• Immersion Blender: Perfect for pureeing soup directly in the pot, creating smooth texture without transferring hot liquid.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic with precision.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for clean, quick vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving soup into bowls with minimal mess.

Tomato Basil Soup Cooking Instructions

• Awaken the Aromatics

Heat a pot and dance olive oil across its surface. Invite onions to soften and become translucent, creating a golden foundation. Welcome garlic for a quick sizzle, releasing its magical fragrance.

• Unleash Tomato Magic

Pour in vibrant canned tomatoes with tomato paste. Sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper to balance flavors. Introduce vegetable broth and let everything bubble and whisper together. Simmer gently, allowing ingredients to get acquainted.

• Transform and Smooth

Remove pot from heat and welcome fresh basil. Grab an immersion blender and transform the mixture into silky perfection. Drizzle cream slowly, folding it into the soup with tender care. Taste and adjust seasoning to make it sing.

• Create Your Masterpiece

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. Crown your creation with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a delicate cream swirl. Pair with a crispy grilled cheese or a slice of toasted sourdough for a comforting embrace.

Tomato Basil Tips + Variations to Try

• Use an immersion blender for smooth, lump-free soup without transferring hot liquid to a blender, reducing mess and potential burns.
• Prepare the soup base a day ahead and add cream just before serving to maintain fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that keeps the soup rich and silky.
• Enhance depth of flavor by roasting tomatoes and garlic in the oven before adding to the soup, creating a more intense, caramelized taste profile.
• Skip sugar and use roasted red peppers to add natural sweetness, making the soup suitable for keto and low-carbohydrate diets while maintaining delicious complexity.

Tomato Basil Soup Serving Inspo

• Comfort Companion Plate: Pair this rich soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich cut diagonally, creating a nostalgic comfort food experience that warms the soul.
• Crouton Crunch Topping: Sprinkle homemade or store-bought herbed croutons on top for an extra texture contrast, adding a delightful crispiness to the creamy soup.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter fresh basil leaves or chiffonade-cut basil ribbons over each serving, enhancing the soup's aromatic profile and adding a vibrant green pop of color.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty artisan bread or a slice of toasted sourdough for dipping, allowing guests to soak up every last drop of the delicious tomato basil soup.

Storage & Prep Advice for Tomato Basil Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to lock in those delicious tomato and basil flavors.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months, avoiding cream when freezing for best texture.
• Gently warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if soup thickens during storage to restore original creamy consistency.
• Make a double batch and pack individual servings for quick lunches. Keep cream separate when prepping ahead, stirring in just before serving to maintain silky smoothness.

Velvety Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy tomato basil soup, where Italian culinary traditions dance with rich, silky textures. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly, offering you a warm embrace of classic Mediterranean flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (28 oz) can whole or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
• ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Grated Parmesan (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions until they become translucent and tender, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for a brief moment.
2. Tomato Infusion: Incorporate canned tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano into the pot. Stream in vegetable broth, thoroughly mixing the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for 20-25 minutes.
3. Silky Transformation: Remove the pot from heat and fold in fresh basil. Using an immersion blender, transform the soup into a velvety smooth consistency. Gently introduce cream, reheating without reaching a boil. Fine-tune the seasoning to personal taste preferences.
4. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the luxurious soup into serving bowls. Elevate the dish with a garnish of fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a delicate cream swirl. Accompany with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp slice of sourdough toast for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Choose ripe, vine-ripened canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for a deeper, more authentic flavor profile.
• Keep heat low and steady to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even cooking of the soup base.
• Use an immersion blender for safer, easier pureeing or cool soup slightly before transferring to a standard blender to avoid potential splattering.
• Add cream off direct heat and stir gently to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, luxurious texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg