Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Quick and Flavorful Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious soup? My Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is just the answer! With rich flavors from fresh basil and tomatoes, it’s a heartwarming meal in a flash. You'll whip this up faster than a takeout order. Plus, I’ll share tips to make it even better. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for any day of the week!

Ingredients

To make a great Instant Pot tomato basil soup, you'll need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, finely diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, including their juices

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

- Optional: Croutons for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful soup. The olive oil adds a nice depth, while the onion and garlic bring warmth. Canned tomatoes are a big time-saver, and they provide that lovely tomato flavor. The vegetable broth acts as a base, making the soup hearty. Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the soup a well-rounded taste. Fresh basil adds a bright note, making it fresh and vibrant. Finally, the cream adds creaminess, and croutons add a nice crunch if you choose to use them. Enjoy gathering these ingredients for your cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Setting up the Instant Pot First, plug in your Instant Pot. Turn it on and select ‘Sauté’ mode. This will get it hot for cooking.

Sautéing onion and garlic Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium onion that you have finely diced. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir often until the onion is soft and clear. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice but not brown.

Combining main ingredients Now, pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Be sure to include their juices! Next, add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well so all the flavors mix.

Cooking Process

Pressure cooking instructions Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is in the 'Sealing' position. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode. Set the timer for 15 minutes. The pot will build pressure and start cooking the soup.

Natural pressure release When the time is up, let the pot sit for about 10 minutes. This is called natural pressure release. After that, carefully turn the valve to 'Venting.' This will let out any remaining steam.

Final Steps

Blending the soup Once the lid is safe to open, do so carefully. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular blender. Just remember to vent the lid to let steam escape.

Adding fresh basil and cream Next, stir in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Blend briefly again to mix in the basil and cream. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serving the soup Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, add croutons on top for a nice crunch. Enjoy your warm and tasty tomato basil soup!

Tips & Tricks

Instant Pot Tips

- Sautéing effectively: Start by using the 'Sauté' mode on your Instant Pot. Heat the olive oil first. Add the diced onion and stir. Sauté until the onion is soft and clear. It takes about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic for one to two minutes. This gives your soup a great base flavor.

- Ensuring safe pressure release: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for ten minutes. This helps the soup settle and keeps it smooth. After that, switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any extra steam. Always check to make sure it is safe to open before you lift the lid.

Flavor Enhancements

- Adjusting seasonings: Taste your soup after blending. You may want to add more salt or pepper. If it's too tart, a bit more sugar can balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to fit your taste.

- Adding extra ingredients for variety: You can mix in extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrients. If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes. For a twist, try adding different herbs like thyme or parsley for new flavors.

Presentation Tips

- Serving suggestions: Serve your soup hot in a bowl. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can even make it a meal by adding grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

- Garnishing ideas: A drizzle of cream on top adds richness. Toss in a few whole basil leaves for color. Croutons provide a nice crunch and make your soup look fancy.

Variations

Dietary Variations

For those with dietary needs, you can easily adjust this soup. To make it dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy without using dairy. For a gluten-free option, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Just chop them roughly before adding them to the pot. This adds a fresh taste to your soup. Instead of dried oregano, you can use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor. Fresh herbs add a nice touch to the dish.

Culinary Twists

You can boost the nutrition by adding vegetables like carrots or spinach. Simply throw them in when you add the tomatoes and broth. This gives the soup extra color and vitamins. If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This makes the soup spicy and exciting. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Instant Pot tomato basil soup fresh, follow these steps:

- Refrigeration: Let the soup cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. The soup keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

Reheating your soup can be easy and quick:

- Ideal Methods: The best way to reheat is on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.

- Avoiding Splatter: If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. This helps prevent splatters and keeps your microwave clean.

FAQs

How long can I store the soup in the fridge?

You can store the soup in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for this recipe. Fresh basil has a brighter flavor, but dried basil works well too. Just add it to the pot with the other ingredients.

What can I serve with tomato basil soup?

Tomato basil soup pairs well with many foods. Try it with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. These sides add texture and balance the soup's rich flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Making this soup in advance is a great idea. It tastes even better after a day in the fridge. Just store it properly and reheat when you're ready to enjoy it.

In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty tomato basil soup in an Instant Pot. You learned about key ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and fresh basil. We covered important steps for preparation, cooking, and serving. I shared tips to enhance flavor and suggested variations for dietary needs. Finally, I provided advice on storing leftovers and reheating.

Creating this soup is simple and rewarding. Enjoy the rich flavors and healthy ingredients. You can make it your own with a few twists. Try it today!