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To make a rich and tasty creamy tomato basil soup, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a list to guide you: - 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for added depth - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup vegetable broth or homemade stock - 1 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness balance) - 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, if available) - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish - Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor. The canned crushed tomatoes provide a rich base. I love using fire-roasted tomatoes for that smoky touch. Fresh garlic and onion add sweetness and depth. You can choose between vegetable broth or chicken broth. Both add a nice body to the soup. The cream gives it that smooth, creamy texture. If you want a lighter soup, switch to coconut cream. Seasonings like dried basil and black pepper enhance the taste. Don’t forget the salt; it brings out the flavors. The sugar is optional, but it can balance any acidity from the tomatoes. Finally, the fresh basil leaves add a refreshing finish. They also make the soup look beautiful! For a kick, add some red pepper flakes. This full recipe will guide you through creating this comforting dish. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Sautéing onion and garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. This step builds a rich base for your soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. Adding tomatoes and spices Now, it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Pour both into the pot, then sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture should come to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This simmering helps to meld the flavors together beautifully. Blending the soup After 15 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Aim for a silky smooth texture. If you prefer a traditional blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth. Once blended, return the soup to the pot if you used a traditional blender. Stir in the heavy cream, warming it over low heat for another 5 minutes. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes on top. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy this comforting dish! Adjusting seasoning is key. Taste your soup while you cook. Add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper if needed. A little sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. I recommend adding it slowly, so you don’t overpower the dish. Choosing the right tomatoes makes a big difference. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add a deep, smoky flavor. They enhance the soup's richness. If you use fresh tomatoes, opt for ripe ones. They bring a bright taste to your soup. Using fresh vs. dried basil also affects the flavor. Fresh basil gives a vibrant, herbal taste. It shines when added at the end of cooking. Dried basil works well too, but it needs time to release its flavor. If you use dried, add it earlier in the cooking process. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can easily change this creamy tomato basil soup to meet your needs. Here are some great options: - Vegan alternative: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy without dairy. You can also use vegetable broth to ensure it's completely plant-based. - Gluten-free options: The ingredients in this soup are already gluten-free. Just make sure your broth and any toppings you use are also gluten-free. - Adding protein (chicken or beans): For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or beans. If you choose chicken, shred it and stir it in before serving. For beans, try white beans or chickpeas. They add texture and make the soup even more filling. These variations let you enjoy creamy tomato basil soup no matter your diet. You can find the full recipe for this comforting dish in the earlier sections. To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, store it properly. Here’s how: - Refrigerating leftovers: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label it with the date. - Freezing the soup: If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when it freezes. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. - Reheating guidelines: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. By following these steps, you can savor the comforting taste of creamy tomato basil soup anytime. Check out the Full Recipe for more delicious details! Yes, you can! Use coconut cream or blended cashews as a dairy-free option. These alternatives keep the soup creamy while adding a unique flavor. I love using coconut cream; it gives a nice sweetness and richness. The soup lasts about five days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools down before you store it. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. This soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. A sprinkle of croutons adds a nice crunch too. You can even serve it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancy touch. For the complete recipe, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup . This post covered all you need to know about creamy tomato basil soup. We went through ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for great taste. I also shared variations for different diets and storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. Make this soup at home and impress your family. With simple steps and tasty results, you can't go wrong. Now that you know the process, enjoy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up with this creamy tomato basil soup recipe that’s rich in flavor and super easy to make! Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup combines fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for a silky finish you'll love. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, it's sure to be a hit. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of comfort today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for added depth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable broth or homemade stock

1 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version)

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for sweetness balance)

1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, if available)

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole, for garnish

Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

In a spacious pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and softens.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning and to release its aromatic flavor.

      Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, optional sugar (if you prefer a touch of sweetness), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

        Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This process helps the flavors develop harmoniously.

          After 15 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a silky smooth consistency. If you prefer using a traditional blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth.

            Return the smooth soup to the pot (if using a traditional blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Gently warm the soup over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

              Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a fresh burst of flavor. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an added kick.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4