When the weather cools down or you need a comforting dish, tomato basil soup is the perfect go-to recipe.
With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant aroma, this soup is a heartwarming bowl of goodness that pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s packed with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of garlic, all simmered to perfection.
The creamy consistency comes from blending the soup until it’s silky smooth, making it feel indulgent without being heavy.
Unlike store-bought options, this homemade version uses wholesome ingredients with no preservatives or added sugar. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a meal prep option for the week, or even an elegant appetizer for entertaining guests.
Whether you’re a soup enthusiast or new to making soups from scratch, this recipe will become a family favorite.
Recipe: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For garnish: fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add the chopped fresh tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes (including their juices), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable stock and stir in the sugar to cut through the tomatoes’ natural acidity. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Creamy
After the soup has simmered, remove it from the heat. Add the fresh basil leaves to the pot and give it a quick stir. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until it becomes smooth and creamy.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches. Be cautious when blending hot liquids — allow steam to escape by removing the center cap of the blender lid and covering it with a kitchen towel.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a countertop blender. Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup a luscious, velvety texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of additional stock or water.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves.
Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread, garlic toast, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This tomato basil soup captures everything you love about a hearty, home-cooked meal while being simple enough for any day of the week. The combination of fresh and canned tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavor — fresh tomatoes add brightness, while canned tomatoes bring depth.
The addition of fresh basil elevates the dish with its herbal aroma, and the hint of cream provides just enough richness to make it satisfying.
Another reason this soup shines is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences. For example, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream to make it dairy-free.
You can also use roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of smokiness or add roasted red peppers to bring a sweet, tangy twist. This recipe freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch and enjoy it anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting.
