![To make creamy tomato basil soup, gather these items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed 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 vegan option) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade - Crusty bread or croutons for serving Each ingredient plays a big role in taste. - Olive oil adds richness and flavor. - Onion and garlic bring sweetness and depth. - Crushed tomatoes form the soup’s base, offering a bright, tangy flavor. - Vegetable broth enhances the soup’s savory notes. - Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth, while coconut cream is a great vegan choice. - Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that brightens the dish. You can swap some ingredients if needed. - Use butter instead of olive oil for a different flavor. - Fresh tomatoes can replace canned tomatoes if you have them. - For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Check the full recipe for more details and enjoy making your soup! To start, gather all your ingredients. This helps you stay organized. You’ll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade - Crusty bread or croutons for serving Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. This step is key for great flavor. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After simmering, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender in batches. Once blended, return it to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream until it mixes well. Finally, add the fresh basil and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat. When blending hot soup, be careful! Hot liquid can splatter. If using a stand blender, fill it halfway. Leave space for the steam. Always start on a low speed and increase gradually. This keeps your kitchen mess-free. For the best taste, adjust the seasoning after blending. Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil bliss! Don’t forget to check the [Full Recipe] for complete details. After you make your creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool before storing. Use an airtight container for best results. The soup lasts in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it in portions. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can boost the flavor of your soup in several ways. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also use smoked paprika for a nice depth. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, mix in some Parmesan cheese while cooking. One common mistake is not balancing the flavors. Always taste and adjust. If the soup is too acidic, add more sugar. If it's bland, salt can help. Another mistake is overcooking the cream. Add it only after blending the soup for a silky texture. Lastly, using low-quality tomatoes can affect the taste. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} To make a vegan creamy tomato basil soup, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It gives a rich and creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan. Fresh basil adds a lovely taste and aroma, so don't skip it! If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pot. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if you want. This extra spice can make your creamy tomato basil soup exciting. You can also mix in a splash of hot sauce before serving for a spicy kick. For a cheesy twist, stir in grated Parmesan or mozzarella while blending. This adds a depth of flavor and a fun texture. You can also top the soup with shredded cheese before serving. Melted cheese on top makes the soup even more comforting and indulgent. You can discover more about these variations in the Full Recipe. Store your creamy tomato basil soup in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh. Let it cool to room temperature first. Refrigerate the soup for up to five days. When you want to eat it, reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often to avoid burning. Freezing is a great way to save extra soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for the soup to expand when frozen. The soup can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, stirring well. You can get creative with leftovers. Add them to pasta for a quick meal. Use them as a sauce for baked chicken. Mix with rice or quinoa for a tasty side. You can even pour it over roasted veggies. This way, you enjoy every last drop of your creamy tomato basil soup. For the full recipe, check out the original article. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. First, blanch them in boiling water for a minute. Then, put them in cold water. This step helps to peel the skins easily. After peeling, chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes may take longer to cook down. So be patient, and enjoy the process! To make this soup gluten-free, just use gluten-free broth. Most vegetable broths are gluten-free. Be sure to check the label. You can also replace any bread you want to add. Use gluten-free bread or croutons instead. This soup is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to keep it safe for everyone. You can add many herbs to enhance your soup. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste. Thyme offers a nice earthy flavor. If you want a kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. Basil is the star here, but feel free to mix! Just remember to add herbs sparingly. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take them out! This blog covered all you need for a great tomato basil soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and useful tips. You learned how to store and reheat soup properly and explored fun variations. Avoiding common mistakes ensures success. Remember, using fresh tomatoes or adding herbs can enhance flavor. With these insights, you can make a delicious soup that fits your diet and taste. Enjoy your cooking!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f4165222-8dce-4fd2-a22b-ce7d6625aa59-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil bliss that will tantalize your taste buds! This easy recipe combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of cream for a comforting soup perfect for any occasion. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen today!