If you have ever dreamed of a soup that embraces you with warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavors all at once, then this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a luscious blend of ripe roasted tomatoes, fresh fragrant basil, and a touch of cream that elevates each spoonful to pure deliciousness. Whether you’re craving something soothing on a chilly evening or a colorful, healthy starter for a meal, this soup hits every note just right, combining simplicity and elegance in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that together build a comforting and flavorful dish. Each element is essential — from the sweetness of ripe tomatoes to the aromatic punch of basil, and that little bit of cream making it irresistibly smooth.
- Ripe tomatoes (2 pounds): The star of the show, ripe tomatoes bring natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic cloves (4 peeled): Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic richness once roasted.
- Medium onion (diced): Provides a gentle sweetness and base flavor when sautéed.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for roasting and sautéing, it adds a fruity, silky layer.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (2 cups): Builds the soup’s body and infuses it with savory notes.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances acidity and enhances the natural tomato sweetness.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 large handful): Brings that signature fresh herbal aroma that defines the soup.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To lift and season perfectly.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1/4 cup, optional): For that dreamy creamy texture and mellow flavor.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Deepens the tomato flavor for a richer taste.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy note, enhancing the herbal profile.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses a gentle background fragrance that rounds out the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Perfect for sprinkling on top with its salty umami kick.
- Croutons: For added crunch and texture contrast when serving.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut your ripe tomatoes in half and arrange them on a baking sheet alongside the peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil to promote caramelization and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. This roasting process intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and creates those irresistible caramelized notes that form the soul of this soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onions for a Flavorful Base
While the tomatoes roast, heat olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onions and sauté gently until they turn translucent and soft. This step brings out the onion’s sweetness, setting a foundational flavor layer that complements the roasted tomatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to your pot with the sautéed onions. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then stir in sugar, tomato paste, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes. This melding time allows all those vibrant tastes to marry into a wonderful harmony.
Step 4: Blend and Season
Remove the bay leaf, then toss in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is velvety smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until it sings with flavor. If you like that silky creaminess, stir in your choice of heavy cream or half-and-half at this stage for an indulgent finish.
Step 5: Final Touches
Your soup is ready when it’s piping hot and bursting with flavor. Give it a quick taste check, adjust seasonings as needed, and prepare for serving.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for an herbaceous pop. Adding grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty tang and melts slightly, creating a delightful contrast on the tongue. Croutons bring an irresistible crunch that complements the creamy texture perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm crusty baguette or garlic bread to sop up every last bit. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness, and grilled cheese sandwiches are an all-time classic match that’ll make your meal feel like a cozy hug.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy touch, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic mason jars. Swirling a bit of pesto or extra cream on top adds eye-catching appeal. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta for texture and an extra flavor dimension that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring back that silky smooth texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. To preserve the creaminess, consider freezing the soup without the cream and adding it fresh when you reheat. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Gently warm your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir in cream at this point if you froze the soup without it — it’ll taste like it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! While fresh, ripe tomatoes give the best flavor, good-quality canned whole or diced tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly and skip roasting since the tomatoes are already cooked.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, by using vegetable broth and omitting the heavy cream or substituting it with a plant-based alternative, this soup becomes completely vegan without compromising its creamy texture.
How do I make the soup less creamy?
Simply skip the addition of cream or half-and-half at the end. The soup still has a rich and silky mouthfeel thanks to the roasted tomatoes and pureeing process, so it remains satisfying and smooth.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely! Fresh thyme or rosemary can complement the basil nicely, or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Just add herbs during the simmering step so their flavors infuse well.
What can I do with leftover soup besides reheating?
Leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe can be used as a sauce for pasta, a flavorful base for shakshuka, or even a warm dip for breadsticks. Its versatility makes it perfect for getting creative in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is truly a joy to make and savor. Its simple ingredients come together to create a bowl of comfort and brightness that feels both familiar and special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—whether to warm your soul or impress your loved ones, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your home.
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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful recipe featuring roasted tomatoes and garlic blended into a smooth, velvety soup. Enhanced with fresh basil, a touch of cream, and a hint of Parmesan, this soup offers a perfect balance of fresh and rich flavors, ideal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomato and Garlic
- 2 pounds (about 900g) ripe tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
Soup Base
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 large handful fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Croutons, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
- Roast Tomatoes and Garlic: Halve the tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet along with the peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized.
- Sauté Onions: While the tomatoes roast, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to the pot along with 2 cups of broth, sugar, tomato paste, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend Soup: Add fresh basil leaves to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Add Cream: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half now.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons for added texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and Parmesan cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use 1 teaspoon dried basil, but fresh basil gives the best flavor.
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances sweetness and depth of flavor in the soup.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
