Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Comforting and Simple Dish

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Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup? Look no further! This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with rich flavors. In this article, I’ll guide you through essential ingredients, easy steps, and handy tips to elevate your soup. Whether you want to add a twist or keep it classic, you’ll find everything you need right here. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

To make creamy tomato basil soup, you need a few key items:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes

– 2 cups vegetable broth

The olive oil gives a rich base. The onion and garlic add flavor and aroma. Diced tomatoes bring the soup to life, while vegetable broth adds depth.

Creamy Components

Now, let’s talk about the creaminess. You can use:

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)

– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Coconut cream offers a lighter, dairy-free choice. Fresh basil brightens the dish and adds a burst of flavor.

Optional Seasonings

For added flavor, consider these seasonings:

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

Sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian note. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. This soup is not only simple, but it’s also a comforting dish perfect for any day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Base

First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. You want it soft and clear. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t let it burn.

Now it’s time to add the main ingredients. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Next, add 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes so the flavors blend well. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking.

Blending for Creaminess

After simmering, it’s time to create that creamy texture. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. You can also transfer it in batches to a standard blender if you prefer.

Once blended, return the soup to the saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Bring it back to a gentle simmer. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

Final Seasoning

Now, let’s add some fresh flavor! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. This adds a lovely aroma and taste.

After stirring, remove the soup from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors come together. Enjoy serving this comforting dish hot. For extra flair, garnish with more fresh basil leaves.

For the complete process, check the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To boost the taste of your creamy tomato basil soup, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, while oregano deepens the taste. Add these herbs at different points. Stir in some basil at the end for a fresh hit. Let the soup simmer to blend the flavors. This melding makes every spoonful more delicious.

Cooking Equipment Suggestions

For this soup, a sturdy saucepan works best. Look for one with a heavy bottom to avoid burning. A high-quality blender helps you achieve that smooth texture. If you lack a blender, an immersion blender is a great choice. It lets you blend the soup right in the pot, making cleanup easy.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters! Serve the soup in bowls with a swirl of cream. Top it with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of black pepper adds visual appeal too. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. This combo makes a warm and inviting meal, perfect for any day. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.

Variations

Dairy-Free Options

You can make this soup dairy-free with ease. One great choice is coconut cream. It gives the soup a rich and smooth texture. You can also use other non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk. These options work well, but they change the soup’s flavor a bit.

Adding Protein

Adding protein makes your soup heartier. Lentils or beans are easy to mix in. They are tasty and healthy. You can also add chicken for a meatier dish. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Just cube it and toss it in with the other ingredients.

Seasonal Variations

Use fresh tomatoes in summer for the best flavor. They add a burst of freshness. In winter, consider adding spinach or kale. These greens give extra nutrients and color. You can change the soup with the seasons to keep it exciting.

For a complete guide on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To store leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the soup smells off or looks strange, throw it away.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this soup for later use. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and put it in the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the soup tasty.

Reheating Methods

To reheat the soup, you have a few options. You can use a saucepan on low heat. Stir it often to keep it smooth. The microwave is also good but use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To avoid cream separation, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This helps keep the texture creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Fresh tomatoes bring a bright flavor and texture. They can make your soup taste even more vibrant. To use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about eight medium-sized ones. Start by blanching them in boiling water for a minute, then cool them down and peel off the skins. Chop them up and add them to your pot just like you would with canned tomatoes. This method gives you the chance to enjoy the taste of summer even in winter.

How do I make it spicier?

If you want to add some heat, try these tips:

– Add red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste.

– Stir in a diced jalapeño for a fresh kick.

– Use a dash of hot sauce right before serving.

These options let you control the spice level. You can enjoy a warm, cozy bowl with just the right amount of heat.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for about five days. When you want to eat it, just reheat on the stove. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then pour it into airtight containers. This makes for easy meals later. For detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe to get a complete guide on making and storing this delicious soup.

This blog shared the best ingredients for creamy tomato basil soup. We explored how to cook and blend each component for rich flavor. I provided tips on enhancing taste and suggested fun variations. You learned how to store and reheat this dish for easy meals later.

Creamy tomato basil soup is both comforting and simple. Enjoy making it your own!

To make creamy tomato basil soup, you need a few key items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth The olive oil gives a rich base. The onion and garlic add flavor and aroma. Diced tomatoes bring the soup to life, while vegetable broth adds depth. Now, let’s talk about the creaminess. You can use: - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup coconut cream (for a dairy-free option) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Coconut cream offers a lighter, dairy-free choice. Fresh basil brightens the dish and adds a burst of flavor. For added flavor, consider these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian note. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. This soup is not only simple, but it's also a comforting dish perfect for any day. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. You want it soft and clear. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, but don’t let it burn. Now it's time to add the main ingredients. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, including all the juices. Next, add 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes so the flavors blend well. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking. After simmering, it's time to create that creamy texture. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth. You can also transfer it in batches to a standard blender if you prefer. Once blended, return the soup to the saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Bring it back to a gentle simmer. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Now, let’s add some fresh flavor! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. This adds a lovely aroma and taste. After stirring, remove the soup from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors come together. Enjoy serving this comforting dish hot. For extra flair, garnish with more fresh basil leaves. For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To boost the taste of your creamy tomato basil soup, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, while oregano deepens the taste. Add these herbs at different points. Stir in some basil at the end for a fresh hit. Let the soup simmer to blend the flavors. This melding makes every spoonful more delicious. For this soup, a sturdy saucepan works best. Look for one with a heavy bottom to avoid burning. A high-quality blender helps you achieve that smooth texture. If you lack a blender, an immersion blender is a great choice. It lets you blend the soup right in the pot, making cleanup easy. Presentation matters! Serve the soup in bowls with a swirl of cream. Top it with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of black pepper adds visual appeal too. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. This combo makes a warm and inviting meal, perfect for any day. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can make this soup dairy-free with ease. One great choice is coconut cream. It gives the soup a rich and smooth texture. You can also use other non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk. These options work well, but they change the soup's flavor a bit. Adding protein makes your soup heartier. Lentils or beans are easy to mix in. They are tasty and healthy. You can also add chicken for a meatier dish. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Just cube it and toss it in with the other ingredients. Use fresh tomatoes in summer for the best flavor. They add a burst of freshness. In winter, consider adding spinach or kale. These greens give extra nutrients and color. You can change the soup with the seasons to keep it exciting. For a complete guide on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If the soup smells off or looks strange, throw it away. You can freeze this soup for later use. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take it out and put it in the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the soup tasty. To reheat the soup, you have a few options. You can use a saucepan on low heat. Stir it often to keep it smooth. The microwave is also good but use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To avoid cream separation, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This helps keep the texture creamy and delicious. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Fresh tomatoes bring a bright flavor and texture. They can make your soup taste even more vibrant. To use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about eight medium-sized ones. Start by blanching them in boiling water for a minute, then cool them down and peel off the skins. Chop them up and add them to your pot just like you would with canned tomatoes. This method gives you the chance to enjoy the taste of summer even in winter. If you want to add some heat, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste. - Stir in a diced jalapeño for a fresh kick. - Use a dash of hot sauce right before serving. These options let you control the spice level. You can enjoy a warm, cozy bowl with just the right amount of heat. Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for about five days. When you want to eat it, just reheat on the stove. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then pour it into airtight containers. This makes for easy meals later. For detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe to get a complete guide on making and storing this delicious soup. This blog shared the best ingredients for creamy tomato basil soup. We explored how to cook and blend each component for rich flavor. I provided tips on enhancing taste and suggested fun variations. You learned how to store and reheat this dish for easy meals later. Creamy tomato basil soup is both comforting and simple. Enjoy making it your own!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Comforting Dish

Warm up with a delicious bowl of creamy tomato basil soup that’s perfect for any season! This easy recipe combines ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy goodness to create a comforting dish in just 35 minutes. With simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and vegetable broth, you can whip up a homemade delight that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty treat!

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

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

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened and translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, sugar, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld, stirring occasionally.

        Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy (or transfer in batches to a blender).

          Return the pureed soup to the saucepan, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, and bring to a gentle simmer again. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

            Stir in the chopped fresh basil and remove the soup from heat. Allow it to sit for a few minutes for the flavors to combine.

              Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in bowls drizzled with a swirl of cream and topped with fresh basil. A side of crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment!

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