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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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