Description
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with rich tomatoes, fragrant basil, and velvety texture – a comforting crowd-pleaser ready in minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano preferred for their sweet flavor and low acidity)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and a pinch of salt, then sauté for 7-10 minutes until soft and translucent with slight caramelization. This slow cooking process builds the foundational flavor of your **Creamy Tomato Basil Soup**.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly which intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Step 3: Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Add the vegetable broth, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, filling only halfway, removing the center cap and covering with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape.
- Step 5: Return the blended soup to medium-low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to incorporate fully. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as needed. Heat through without boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
- Step 6: Ladle your finished **Creamy Tomato Basil Soup** into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. The vibrant red color contrasted with the green basil makes for a visually stunning presentation that hints at the flavorful experience to come.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg