The Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe You’ll Crave Forever

Crafting a delightful creamy tomato basil soup transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen with its vibrant, comforting flavors.

Sunripened tomatoes burst with natural sweetness, promising a delectable experience.

Rich cream blends seamlessly with aromatic basil, creating a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, celebrating simplicity and depth.

Each spoonful tells a story of traditional cooking methods and fresh produce.

Seasonal vegetables shine in this classic recipe, inviting you to savor every warm, hearty bite.

Prepare to fall in love with this soul-warming soup that feels like a culinary hug.

FAQs

• Why roast the tomatoes instead of using them raw?

Roasting concentrates the tomato flavor, caramelizes natural sugars, and adds a deeper, richer taste to the soup that raw tomatoes can’t provide.

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh roasted tomatoes will give a more vibrant and complex flavor. If using canned, choose whole peeled tomatoes and drain excess liquid before roasting.

• What's the purpose of adding sugar to the soup?

The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded and smooth flavor profile without making the soup sweet.

• Do I need an immersion blender, or can I use a regular blender?

An immersion blender is convenient, but a regular blender works fine. Just be careful when blending hot liquids and blend in batches, leaving the lid slightly open to allow steam to escape.

Reasons To Love Tomato Basil Soup

• Roasting tomatoes and garlic caramelizes their sugars, creating a deep, rich taste that transforms this simple soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Anyone can master this recipe with basic cooking techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• From start to finish, this soup delivers a hearty, comforting meal with minimal preparation and cooking steps, ideal for busy households seeking delicious home-cooked meals.
• Enjoy as a starter, light lunch, or paired with grilled cheese or crusty bread, making it adaptable for various dining scenarios and preferences.

Tomato Basil Soup Ingredient List

• Tomatoes: Roasted for a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Onion: Provides a savory base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic essence.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Brings a bright, herbal note.

• Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting and drizzling.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the soup's overall seasoning.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture.

Easy Steps For Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast Tomatoes and Garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Slice tomatoes in half and arrange them on a baking sheet with peeled garlic cloves.

Drizzle generously with olive oil.

Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Roasted Ingredients

Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to the pot with sautéed onions.

Pour in broth and sprinkle sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Blend

Simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Add fresh basil leaves.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and silky.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Stir in cream for extra richness if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tips For Making Tomato Basil Soup Extra Creamy

• Roasting tomatoes and garlic concentrates their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup's taste profile.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a creamy, lump-free texture without transferring to a separate blender.
• Adding a touch of sugar helps neutralize the tomatoes' natural acidity, creating a more rounded flavor.
• Skip the cream for a vegan version or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for a lighter, plant-based soup.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and maximize its flavor impact.

Store And Reheat Tomato Basil Soup With Ease

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain fresh flavor.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore creamy consistency.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water to prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm, about 5-7 minutes.

What Goes Well With Tomato Basil Soup

• Savor Crisp Grilled Cheese Companion: Craft a golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and sourdough bread to complement the soup's rich, velvety texture.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's creaminess and enhance its bright tomato flavors.
• Herbed Crouton Crunch: Top the soup with homemade herbed croutons made from day-old bread, tossed with olive oil, dried basil, and garlic powder for an added textural contrast and aromatic boost.
• Mediterranean Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the soup's deep, roasted flavors.

Tomato Basil Soup Styles Worth Trying

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Replace dairy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based version that maintains rich, smooth texture.
• Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup: Add 2 roasted red peppers to the recipe for a smoky flavor boost and extra depth of color.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and skip added salt, replacing with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for enhanced taste.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra umami flavor without wheat-based products.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy tomato basil soup brings Italian countryside warmth to your kitchen with rich, velvety flavors. Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil dance together, creating a soul-warming bowl that connects you to Mediterranean culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups (480ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 large handful fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Croutons for garnish

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a scorching 400°F, preparing for roasting transformation.
2. Slice tomatoes into halves, accompanying peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, lavishly drizzle with olive oil for caramelization during 25-30 minute roasting process.
3. Warm a large pot, gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
4. Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic into the pot, combining with broth and a touch of sugar, allowing ingredients to meld and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Introduce fresh basil leaves into the simmering mixture, then transform the soup into a velvety puree using an immersion blender until completely smooth.
6. Elevate the flavor profile by seasoning with salt and pepper, creating a balanced taste experience.
7. Optional: Swirl cream into the soup for enhanced richness and luxurious texture.
8. Present the soup piping hot, adorned with delicate fresh basil leaves and a graceful olive oil drizzle.

Notes

• Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the soup, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Use Roma or San Marzano tomatoes for the most robust and rich tomato flavor, as they have fewer seeds and more meaty flesh.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream or cashew cream instead of traditional dairy cream to maintain the creamy texture.
• Blend the soup longer for an ultra-smooth consistency, or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture with bits of roasted tomato.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg