Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Flavorful and Healthy Delight

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we're diving into a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, a dish that's both flavorful and healthy. You’ll love how easy it is to make this delicious soup, perfect for any meal. I’ll guide you through simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips to elevate your cooking game. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this recipe will warm your heart and appease your taste buds!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make creamy tomato basil soup, you need:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes, with juice

- 3 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 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Each ingredient in this soup offers great health benefits.

- Olive oil adds healthy fats that support heart health.

- Onions provide vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system.

- Garlic can lower blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, which help fight disease.

- Vegetable broth is low in calories and provides hydration.

- Basil contains vitamins A, K, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

- Heavy cream gives a rich texture and can be substituted for coconut cream for those who need a dairy-free option.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

You can easily adapt this soup for different diets.

- For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

- If you're gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.

- For a lower-calorie soup, swap heavy cream with a blend of cashews and water.

- If allergies prevent you from using garlic or onions, try using shallots or leeks for flavor.

These substitutions help keep the soup delicious while meeting your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Overview

To make creamy tomato basil soup, gather your ingredients first. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, whole peeled tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, heavy cream, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar if you like. These flavors blend well together.

Detailed Cooking Steps

1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add one finely chopped medium onion. Cook it for about five minutes until it looks clear.

3. Next, stir in three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. You want to smell the garlic!

4. Add two cans of whole peeled tomatoes with juice. Then pour in three cups of vegetable broth.

5. Mix in one teaspoon of sugar, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

6. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for twenty minutes without a lid.

Blending and Final Touches

After simmering, use an immersion blender. Blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a blender in batches. Return the smooth soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of chopped fresh basil. Let it heat for about five minutes. If you want a little zing, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot. Top it with fresh basil leaves for a tasty finish!

Tips & Tricks

How to Make the Soup Creamier

To make your soup super creamy, use heavy cream. You can also try coconut cream for a vegan option. Blend the soup well after cooking. This helps mix in air and gives a nice texture. Add cream slowly as you stir. This keeps the soup smooth and rich. You can also add a little extra basil for a fresh taste.

Cooking Techniques for Best Flavor

Start by cooking your onions until soft. This brings out their sweet flavor. Then, add garlic and cook just until you smell it. This step is key. It adds depth to your soup. When you add the tomatoes, include their juice. This boosts the tomato flavor. Simmering the soup for 20 minutes helps all the flavors mix well. Use an immersion blender for a smooth finish. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too.

Presentation Tips for Serving

Serve your soup in warm bowls. This keeps it hot longer. For a nice touch, swirl some cream on top. Add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This adds color and a lovely aroma. Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. This makes the meal feel more special. You can also use a sprinkle of pepper for a bit of spice.

Variations

Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives

I love making creamy tomato basil soup. You can easily make it vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It adds a nice richness without dairy. You can also use cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives you a creamy texture that works great.

Additional Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, try adding different spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. For a smoky taste, try smoked paprika. You can also mix in some roasted garlic for deeper flavor. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar gives the soup a sweet tang. Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs too. Fresh thyme or parsley can change the soup's profile.

Using Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes bring bright flavor to the soup. If you use them, choose ripe, juicy ones. You’ll need about 3 pounds. Roast them first for a rich taste. Canned tomatoes are great for convenience. They are often picked at peak ripeness. Use whole peeled tomatoes for a smoother soup. Both options are delicious; the choice is yours!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

To store creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Always label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when it’s best to eat.

How to Freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Freezing soup is a great option for later meals. First, cool the soup completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating creamy tomato basil soup is simple. You can use a pot or microwave. If using a pot, heat it over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst until warm. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Enjoy your delicious soup!

FAQs

What Can I Serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

You can serve many tasty items with creamy tomato basil soup. A classic choice is grilled cheese. The crunch and gooey cheese pair nicely with the soup. You can also offer crusty bread for dipping. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and flavor. Try a simple side salad with greens and a light dressing.

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. To do this, cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it on the stove when you're ready to serve.

How Long Does Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Last in the Fridge?

Creamy tomato basil soup lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container. If you want to enjoy it longer, freeze it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw and reheat when you're ready to eat.

In this blog post, we explored creamy tomato basil soup, its ingredients, and health benefits. You learned about cooking steps, tips for flavor, and making substitutions for diets. We also covered storage, variations, and answers to common questions.

This soup is easy to make and enjoy. You can customize it to fit your taste and needs. Don’t hesitate to try new flavors or serve it with your favorite sides. Happy cooking!