Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment:
Large pot
blender or immersion blender
measuring cups
spoon
cutting board
knife

Cuisine Type: Italian

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a classic Italian dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. This velvety soup combines ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, creating a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner, this soup is easy to prepare and brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful soup that’s sure to impress family and friends.

The addition of fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely aroma, making this dish a delightful experience for the senses. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups canned whole tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour the canned tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable broth into the pot. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
After 20 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a regular blender in batches to puree. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Heat the soup over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.

Extra Tips:

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply halve the tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor to the soup.

Additionally, feel free to customize your soup by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting creamy tomato basil soup!