Introduction
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, ideal for warming up on a cold day or serving as a light yet satisfying meal. This soup combines the rich, tangy flavors of ripe tomatoes with the fragrant, fresh taste of basil, all blended into a velvety, creamy base. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special starter for a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress.
My love for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup began during my college years. There was a small café near campus that served the most amazing tomato basil soup, paired with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. The combination was my go-to for a comforting meal during long study sessions. Since then, I’ve recreated this recipe at home, tweaking it to perfection, and now it’s a favorite in my household.
What makes this soup so special is its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh tomatoes and basil elevates the flavor, while a touch of cream adds richness and a smooth texture. It’s a classic dish that’s both nostalgic and timeless, offering a taste of home in every spoonful.
Enjoyment Suggestions
Pairing Ideas
To enhance your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup experience, consider these pairing suggestions:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Tomato soup paired with grilled cheese is a classic duo, almost heavenly in its perfection. The crisp, gooey sandwich beautifully enhances the smooth, velvety texture of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of garlic bread for dipping, adding a delicious garlicky crunch.
- Salad: The richness of the soup might be countered with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.
Serving Occasions
This versatile soup is perfect for various occasions:
- Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Lunches: A substantial and filling lunch choice, particularly when served with a sandwich or salad.
- Dinner Parties: Serve as an elegant starter at your next dinner party to impress your guests.
Complementary Dishes
Create a well-rounded meal by pairing the soup with:
- Crusty Bread: For dipping and soup absorption, a loaf of warm, crusty bread.
- Pasta Salad: A pleasant contrast is created with a light pasta salad dressed with a spicy vinaigrette and fresh veggies.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provide a colorful and nutritious side dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day or two in advance. Refrigerate in an airtight container, then gently reheat on the stove before serving.
2. Can I substitute tinned tomatoes for fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes, especially high-quality whole or crushed tomatoes, can be used when fresh tomatoes are not in season. They still provide excellent flavor.
3. How should I store leftover soup?
You may store leftover soup for up to five days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Use a microwave or a stovetop to gently reheat.
4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half, whole milk to add a unique flavor. Alternatively, mixing in Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and delicious classic, perfect for any time of the year. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, this soup is rich in flavor and velvety smooth. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal. Keywords: creamy tomato soup, tomato basil soup, homemade soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or two 28-oz cans of crushed tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes are very soft.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender.
- Return the pot to the heat and stir in the sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup gently over low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- If fresh basil is not available, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy tomato soup, tomato basil soup, homemade soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe
