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To make a great creamy tomato basil soup, you need the following key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano - 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium recommended - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed and roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for added depth) These ingredients combine to create a rich and velvety soup. The crushed tomatoes form the base, while the cream adds that luscious texture. Basil brings freshness, making each bite a delight. You can enhance the flavor with these optional ingredients: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Parmesan cheese for a savory kick - A dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess These extras can make your soup more unique and exciting. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you want to make changes, here are some good substitutions: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a different fat base. - Swap heavy cream with almond milk or cashew cream for dairy-free. - Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned; just roast them first. - Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for more depth. These swaps can fit your dietary needs while keeping the flavor intact. Enjoy experimenting with your creamy tomato basil soup! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make this creamy tomato basil soup, start with the right tools. You need a large pot and an immersion blender. 1. Heat the oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the pot. Turn the heat to medium. 2. Cook the onion: Add 1 chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want it soft and clear. 3. Add garlic: Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 2 more minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. 4. Combine tomatoes and broth: Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. 5. Season: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. This brings out the flavor! 6. Simmer: Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes. This melds all the flavors together nicely. 7. Blend: Take the pot off the heat. Use the immersion blender to blend the soup until it's smooth. If using a countertop blender, be careful with the hot soup. 8. Add cream: Return the soup to the pot and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Heat gently on low. Don’t let it boil! 9. Finish with basil: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning. 10. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add extra basil on top for a nice touch. When blending your soup, keep these tips in mind: - Immersion blender: This is the safest option for hot soup. It lets you blend right in the pot. - Countertop blender: If using this, blend in small batches. Always let the steam escape to avoid splatters. - Texture: Blend until it’s silky smooth. This makes the soup feel rich and creamy. Serving is just as important as cooking. Here are some fun ideas: - Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves on top. This adds color and aroma. - Croutons: Top with crunchy croutons for texture. - Pairings: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. They complement the soup well. You can find the full recipe to make this delicious soup and impress your friends! To make the best creamy tomato basil soup, start with good tomatoes. I love using San Marzano tomatoes for their sweet flavor. Use fresh basil for a bright taste. Always taste your soup as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. When cooking onions, let them get soft and sweet. This adds depth to your soup. Sauté garlic just until fragrant. Overcooking can make it bitter. Blend the soup until it is silky smooth. A smooth texture makes it feel luxurious. One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Don’t forget to taste and adjust. Another mistake is boiling the soup after adding cream. This can cause it to separate. Also, be careful when blending hot soup. Use an immersion blender for safety, or let it cool slightly before using a countertop blender. To boost flavor, add a touch of balsamic vinegar. It gives a nice depth. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can add richness, too. Don't hesitate to experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme. Each brings a unique twist to the classic recipe. For the full recipe, don’t forget to check out the details above! {{image_4}} To make a vegan version of creamy tomato basil soup, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream gives it a rich texture without dairy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. You can also enhance the taste with a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the soup and adds a fresh touch. You can add protein to your soup easily. For a meaty option, cook diced chicken breast in the pot before adding other ingredients. Sauté until golden, then add onions and garlic. For a plant-based choice, stir in cooked lentils. They add protein and make the soup heartier. You can use canned lentils for quick prep. Just rinse them before adding to the pot. Get creative with your soup by adding fun flavors. A spoonful of pesto stirred in just before serving brings a burst of herby goodness. For cheese lovers, add grated parmesan or mozzarella on top for a cheesy finish. You can also spice it up. A dash of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make it your own. For a full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to enjoy the soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to prevent burning. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth. Heat it until it is warm throughout. This method keeps the soup creamy and tasty. To freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand. You can also use ice cube trays for smaller portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag. Label the bag with the date. The soup will last for about three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove for a delicious meal. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. For this recipe, I recommend about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. You will need to blanch them first. To do this, score the bottoms of the tomatoes with an "X." Boil them for one minute, then transfer them to ice water. This makes peeling easy. After peeling, chop the tomatoes and add them to your pot with the other ingredients. Fresh tomatoes will give the soup a bright flavor. You can serve many things with this soup. A classic choice is grilled cheese sandwiches. Their crispy, gooey texture pairs well with the soup. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. For something heartier, try a warm baguette or crusty bread. Dipping is always fun! If you want a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. For more heat, you can add diced jalapeños. If you like a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Blend in your chosen spice during cooking to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your personalized, spicy soup! For the full recipe, you can check out the details above. Making creamy tomato basil soup is fun and easy. We covered key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips to get it just right. You can create variations like vegan options or add proteins for a twist. Don't forget about storage tips for leftovers and reheating for the perfect taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Your soup will impress family and friends. Perfecting this dish makes your meals even better. Get cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Indulge in the deliciousness of this heavenly creamy tomato basil soup! With rich flavors from fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, this recipe is a must-try for soup lovers. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines easy steps with simple ingredients like creamy options and fresh herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is sure to impress. Click through to explore the recipe and savor every spoonful!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano

2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium recommended

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for added depth)

Instructions
 

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened.

    Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then add the sugar. Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Bring the concoction to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, which will help the flavors meld beautifully.

        After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. Always exercise caution when blending hot liquids.

          Return the blended soup back to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Heat the soup over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through; make sure not to bring it to a boil to maintain the creaminess.

            Add the roughly chopped fresh basil and the balsamic vinegar (if using) to the pot. Stir the soup well to incorporate all the ingredients, and taste for seasoning—adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls and garnished with extra fresh basil leaves for a lovely aromatic touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4-6