Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

A creamy, vibrant tomato and basil soup thats bursting with rich flavor and perfect for cozy days. Silky-smooth with just the right touch of herbs, this comforting classic is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

This comforting tomato and basil soup has been a family favorite for years, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic cloves: 2, minced
• Ripe tomatoes: 2 lbs (900 g), chopped or 2 cans (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes drained
• Carrot: 1 medium, peeled and diced
• Vegetable stock: 3 cups (720 ml), gluten-free if required
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml) or coconut cream for dairy-free option
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
• Sugar: 1 tsp optional to balance acidity
• Salt: 1/2 tsp or to taste
• Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
• Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp optional for heat
• Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup (15 g) packed plus extra for garnish
• Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp optional for richness

Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 2:

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3:

Stir in the tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.

Step 4:

Add the chopped tomatoes vegetable stock sugar if using salt pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 6:

Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to purée the soup until smooth.

Step 7:

Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the cream and butter until fully incorporated and heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8:

Ladle into bowls garnish with extra basil and serve hot.

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This recipe brings the whole family together especially on cool evenings when everyone craves comfort food.

Required Tools

Large pot Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Immersion blender or countertop blender Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains dairy heavy cream butter May contain gluten if non-gluten-free stock is used For dairy-free or vegan diets substitute coconut cream and omit butter Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 4 g per serving

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This tomato and basil soup is a timeless dish that offers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Common Questions

→ What ingredients enhance the soup's depth of flavor?

Using roasted tomatoes or adding roasted red peppers can intensify the dish’s rich tomato character and add complexity.

→ Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and omit butter to create a creamy, dairy-free version.

→ How should the vegetables be prepared before blending?

Onion and carrot are sautéed until soft, garlic is added for aroma, and the mixture simmers with tomatoes and stock before blending until smooth.

→ What herbs are used to finish the dish?

Fresh basil is stirred in before blending and used as a garnish to add vibrant herbal notes and fresh aroma.

→ Are there tips for adjusting seasoning?

Balance acidity with sugar if desired, and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste for preferred heat and flavor.