This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that elevates any meal. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, it blends the rich flavors of tomatoes and basil with a creamy texture that makes it irresistible. Packed with hidden vegetables, this recipe not only tastes great but also offers a nutritious option for your family. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this soup is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality flavor: Enjoy the taste of gourmet tomato soup made right at home.
- Hidden vegetables: Sneak in carrots, celery, and onions for added nutrition without compromising on taste.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect as a starter or paired with sandwiches and salads for a complete meal.
- Easy preparation: Simple steps make it accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Make-ahead friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Separate pot for making roux
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients together, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Immersion blender: Offers convenience in pureeing the soup directly in the pot without transferring.
- Separate pot for making roux: Helps to create a thickening agent without burning the mixture.
- Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining flour and butter to create the roux.
Ingredients
This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is restaurant-quality DELICIOUS and it’s loaded with hidden vegetables.
Vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes (with the juice)
- 2 carrots (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 1 small onion (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced, about 1 cup)
Broth and Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
Creamy Base
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
Final Touches
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Add oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for several minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. This step is optional if you prefer a chunky texture. Return it to the soup pot after blending.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a separate pot over medium-low heat, add butter until melted. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 5: Combine Roux with Soup
Add a big ladle full of soup to the roux to form a thick paste. Stir well until smooth before adding more soup gradually until fully combined.
Step 6: Add Creaminess
Stir in parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding additional oregano or basil to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until warmed through.
Step 7: Store Leftovers
Store any remaining tomato basil soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step 8: Serve Delightfully
Enjoy your creamy Tomato Basil Soup served in homemade bread bowls or alongside crusty bread!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or an appetizer, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Homemade Bread Bowls
- Serve the soup in freshly baked bread bowls for a fun and unique presentation. The bread absorbs the flavors while providing a deliciously edible container.
Topped with Croutons
- Add crispy croutons on top for an extra crunch. You can use store-bought croutons or make your own by toasting cubed bread in the oven.
Garnished with Fresh Basil
- Enhance the flavor by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. This adds a vibrant touch and amplifies the tomato and basil taste.
Accompanied by a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Pair your soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese complements the creamy texture of the soup perfectly.
Served with a Side Salad
- A light side salad can balance out the richness of the soup. Opt for a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds depth to the soup’s flavor. It also creates an appealing visual contrast on top of the creamy surface.
How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
To achieve restaurant-quality Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance its flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs provide superior flavor compared to canned options.
- Blend Well: For a smoother consistency, ensure you blend the soup thoroughly. An immersion blender works best for this.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed before serving for maximum flavor.
- Add Depth: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to add more nutrition and complexity.
- Experiment with Creaminess: Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for an even richer texture if desired.
- Serve Hot: Ensure that your soup is heated through before serving, as temperature enhances flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Complement your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery loaf infused with garlic pairs beautifully for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright flavors that balance the creamy soup.
- Cheese Quesadillas: Crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese provide a satisfying contrast and are easy to prepare.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs add elegance and flavor to your meal.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad tossed in olive oil and fresh veggies makes for a refreshing side option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, complementing the rich soup nicely.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip served with tortilla chips brings an indulgent touch to your table.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled veggies create an enticing appetizer spread before enjoying the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some to watch out for:
- Skipping the Vegetable Prep: Not finely dicing your vegetables can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to chop them small for a smoother soup.
- Ignoring the Roux: Failing to cook the roux until golden can result in a raw flour taste. Whisk it until it reaches a beautiful color for the best flavor.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go, and adjust salt and spices as needed for maximum flavor.
- Over-Blending the Soup: Pureeing too long can make the soup too thin or lose its texture. Blend just until smooth for a perfect consistency.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar tomatoes or broth can impact taste. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and low-sodium broth for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Creamy Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to three months. Label containers with dates for reference.
Reheating Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often and heat until steaming, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:
How do I make my tomato basil soup creamy?
To achieve creaminess, add half and half or whole milk when finishing your soup. You can also stir in cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to peel and chop them first. About 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes is equivalent to two cans.
What can I serve with creamy tomato basil soup?
This delicious soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup includes hidden vegetables and can be made healthier by using low-fat dairy options or skipping the roux altogether.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or spice it up with red pepper flakes for added heat!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with freshly baked bread or simply on its own, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil with a velvety texture. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this easy recipe is not only delicious but also packed with hidden vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Serve it as a starter or alongside your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy meal that warms both heart and soul. With its gourmet taste made right in your kitchen, this soup is sure to impress family and friends alike!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 portions 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 carrots (finely diced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half and half
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add finely diced carrots, onions, and celery; sauté until tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a gentle boil; cook until vegetables are soft.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth or leave it chunky as desired.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium-low heat; whisk in flour to create a roux until golden brown.
- Gradually combine the roux with the soup until fully incorporated.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and half-and-half; season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste.
- Simmer briefly before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
