This Tomato Basil Soup is warm, cozy, and full of flavor! With fresh tomatoes and a hint of basil, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
You can pair it with a grilled cheese for a classic combo. I always feel like I should be wearing a sweater while enjoying it—makes it extra comforting! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and richness. You could use butter or avocado oil if you prefer something different, but olive oil is great for its health benefits.
Onion: A medium onion enhances the soup’s base. If you’re short on onions, shallots can be a nice substitute for a milder taste.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal, but canned tomatoes work perfectly too! Use whole peeled tomatoes for convenience. If you want a sweeter flavor, try cherry tomatoes.
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that classic flavor. If it’s out of season, you can substitute dried basil, but only use about one-third the amount as it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: This ingredient adds creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use coconut milk or skip it altogether.
How Can I Perfectly Simmer My Tomato Basil Soup?
Simmering is crucial to develop the flavors in your soup. After adding the broth, bring it to a boil before lowering the heat. This way, everything gets to mingle. Here are the steps:
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to activate the flavors.
- Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to soften and break down.
- Make sure it doesn’t bubble aggressively—too much heat can affect the texture and flavor.
Patience is key here for a lovely, rich soup!
How to Make Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Croutons or toasted bread slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Tomato Basil Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious, warming soup ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This adds a lovely base flavor to your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn—it can turn bitter if overcooked!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Now, add the chopped tomatoes along with their juices if using fresh ones (or the canned tomatoes). Cook this mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and start breaking down to create that rich flavor.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step melds all those wonderful flavors together!
5. Stir in Basil and Season:
After simmering, stir in the chopped basil leaves and sugar (if you’re using it). Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is where you can adjust according to your preference!
6. Blend to Smoothness:
For a velvety texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Just be cautious of the hot liquid!
7. Add Creaminess (Optional):
If you’d like a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half at this point. Give it a good taste check and adjust any seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve and Garnish:
It’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese, whole fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
9. Enjoy with Bread:
Pair your warm Tomato Basil Soup with toasted bread or croutons. It’s a perfect comforting meal that warms the soul!
Enjoy this vibrant, fresh Tomato Basil Soup that’s perfect for cozy days!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great substitute for fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them slightly and then chop them before adding them to the soup. They often have a richer flavor as well!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Is There a Way to Make This Soup Vegan?
Definitely! Simply skip the heavy cream or use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based for a completely vegan-friendly dish.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the garlic. You can also include diced jalapeños for a fresh kick!
