![For a great creamy tomato basil soup, you need key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 2 cans (14 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Croutons and fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich and comforting soup. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that brightens the dish. You can customize your soup with extra ingredients. Consider these add-ins for a twist: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tang - Cooked pasta for heartiness - Spinach or kale for added nutrition These additions can make your soup uniquely yours. They can enhance the flavor and even add some fun textures. Don’t worry if you lack some items. You can swap them for other ingredients easily. Here are some ideas: - Use canola oil or butter instead of olive oil. - If you don’t have onion, try shallots or leeks. - For vegetable broth, use chicken broth for a different taste. - Heavy cream can be replaced with milk or a non-dairy milk for a lighter option. These substitutes can help you make this soup without any stress. You can still enjoy a tasty bowl of creamy tomato basil soup! If you want the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Use fresh produce to boost flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot. Cook these for another 3 minutes to bring out their taste. Now, add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. If you like, toss in the sugar to balance the acidity. Sprinkle in the dried basil and bring the mix to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. After simmering, take the pot off the heat. Now, it’s time to blend the soup. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you don’t have one, pour the soup into a regular blender in batches. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. This step makes the soup feel rich and comforting. Put the pot back on low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil again. This keeps the cream rich and silky. Next, fold in the fresh basil leaves. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. When ready, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with croutons and more fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. For the full recipe, check the link above. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup! To make your creamy tomato basil soup really sing, start by using fire-roasted tomatoes. They add a deep, rich flavor. Sauté the onion and garlic well. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Don't rush this; let them soften and caramelize a bit. Adding a touch of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Fresh basil is key, too. Add it at the end for a bright, fresh taste. If you want a hint of spice, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let your soup cool down before storing it. This prevents extra steam and keeps it fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about three to four days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to bring it back. Serve your creamy tomato basil soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. This combo makes for a comforting meal. You can also top the soup with croutons for a crunchy texture. A sprinkle of extra basil adds a nice touch. For a gourmet twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. Each bite will be flavorful and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_2}} To make a vegan and gluten-free version of creamy tomato basil soup, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy while being plant-based. Use vegetable broth to ensure it is gluten-free. Check your canned tomatoes to confirm they are gluten-free, as some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients. You can also add blended cashews for extra creaminess. Just soak them in water for a few hours, then blend them into the soup. If you like a kick, add some heat! You can mix in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion and carrot. This brings a nice warmth to the soup. Another option is to stir in a bit of sriracha or hot sauce just before serving. Adjust the heat level to your taste. This spicy twist makes the soup exciting and vibrant. Kids may prefer a milder flavor. To make it kid-friendly, cut back on the garlic and basil. You can also blend the soup until it is super smooth. This helps with any texture issues. If you want to add sweetness, a little sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve it with fun-shaped croutons to make it more appealing. This way, even the pickiest eaters may enjoy it! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your creamy tomato basil soup, you may have some left. To keep it fresh, let the soup cool at room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Be sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want it to last longer, freeze it instead. Freezing is a great way to keep your soup tasty. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top since the soup will expand when frozen. Label each container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to use it, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your soup, pour it into a pot. Warm it on low heat, stirring often. This way, it heats evenly and does not stick to the pot. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup creamy and delicious. For the best taste, always serve it warm and fresh. For the full recipe, check the section above. Canned tomatoes are often fire-roasted and seasoned. They add depth to the soup. Fresh tomatoes can taste bright and lively but may need more time to cook. If you use fresh tomatoes, blend them well to avoid lumps. Canned tomatoes save time and give a rich flavor. I recommend using canned for ease and taste. Yes, you can use almond milk as a lighter option. It will change the flavor slightly. Almond milk is not as rich as cream, but it still works well. For a creamier texture, try coconut cream instead. It adds flavor and keeps it rich and thick. Just add it in the same way as cream. To lower calories, reduce or skip the cream. Use vegetable broth instead of cream. You can also cut back on the oil. Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach. They will add volume without many calories. This way, you keep the soup filling and tasty while cutting calories. In this blog post, we covered how to make creamy tomato basil soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. You can even explore variations like vegan or spicy options. Remember to store leftovers safely and follow reheating tips for great taste. With these guidelines, you can craft a delicious soup everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/819dbc63-f451-47bc-8f8a-0925955b7929-250x250.webp)
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the comfort of this creamy tomato basil soup that's perfect for any meal! With simple ingredients like fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of cream, you can create a bowl of warmth and flavor in just 35 minutes. Whether you opt for a vegan twist or stick to classic creamy goodness, this recipe is bound to impress. Click through to discover the full details and elevate your soup game today!