![To create a rich and tasty creamy tomato basil soup, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, chopped - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Croutons and extra basil for garnish Each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor. The olive oil adds richness. The onion and garlic provide a fragrant base. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and depth. Crushed tomatoes create a luscious texture and vibrant color. Vegetable broth enhances the savory notes. Heavy cream or coconut cream gives the soup its creamy goodness. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Balsamic vinegar adds brightness and tang. Fresh basil offers a burst of herbaceous flavor. Finally, salt and pepper bring all the flavors together. When you're ready to cook, make sure these ingredients are on hand. This full recipe will guide you through each step to achieve that warm, comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen! - Gather your chopped ingredients: onion, garlic, carrot, and basil. - In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. - Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. - Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and the chopped carrot. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant. - Now, add one can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. - Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. - Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender. - Once blended, return the soup to the pot. - Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. - Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring now and then. - Finally, add the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir. This method creates a creamy tomato basil soup that is rich and comforting. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To make the best creamy tomato basil soup, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and crisp onions boost the taste. They add a bright, vibrant flavor. Always adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of salt and a twist of pepper can make a big difference. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to tweak it! Serve your soup with fresh bread or a light salad. This makes a great meal. For a fun twist, add croutons for crunch. You can also garnish with extra basil for a pop of color. It looks great and adds flavor. Don’t forget to have some grated cheese on hand. It melts beautifully on hot soup! If your soup tastes a bit sour, try adding a teaspoon of sugar. This helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. For the right texture, you may want to adjust the thickness. If it seems too thick, stir in some vegetable broth. If you want it creamier, add more heavy cream. This will give it a rich, smooth finish. For the Full Recipe, be sure to check the complete instructions for making this delicious soup! {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegan. Simply substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. This change keeps the soup rich and creamy while making it dairy-free. Always use vegetable broth in your recipe to maintain the vegan status. To ensure the soup is gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Look for certified gluten-free labels. You can use gluten-free croutons for garnish or skip them altogether if needed. Want to give your soup an extra kick? Try adding different herbs like thyme or oregano. These herbs can enhance the soup’s flavor. You can also add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This small addition can make the dish even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Creamy tomato basil soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any strong smells from the fridge from mixing in. Before sealing, let the soup cool down. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. If you want to store it in bags, flatten the bags for easy stacking. For thawing, move the soup to the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it smooth. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To avoid separation, add the cream at the end while reheating. This keeps your soup creamy and delicious. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil bliss warm and fresh! To thicken your soup, you have a few great options. First, you can blend the soup until smooth. This method makes the soup creamy and rich. Second, you can add more heavy cream for a silkier texture. Lastly, you can use a starch like cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Just stir it in while the soup simmers. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. First, blanch them in boiling water for one minute to remove the skins. Then, chop them and add to the pot. Using fresh tomatoes may make the soup taste different. You might want to add a bit more salt or sugar to balance the flavors. To spice up your soup, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can also add fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers for a fresh kick. Mix in these ingredients after cooking to keep their heat! This creamy tomato basil soup is simple to make and very tasty. You’ve learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking process. Tips and variations help you perfect your dish and suit your diet. Remember to store your soup well for later enjoyment. With these steps, you can create a delicious meal that highlights the rich flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil. Enjoy your cooking and the warm comfort this soup brings!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/53ce90ff-e401-4c14-8b1e-423d61f51e23-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavor of creamy tomato basil bliss with this easy recipe! This delicious soup combines fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil, creating a rich and savory delight that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple to follow and can be made in just 35 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!