Are you ready to warm up with a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup? This simple and healthy recipe is perfect for any day. With fresh flavors and great texture, you’ll love how easy it is to make. I’ll cover all the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it even better. Let’s dive in and create a delicious soup that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body!
Ingredients
Complete Ingredient List
To make creamy tomato basil soup, gather these ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Optional Garnishes
For a touch of flair, you can use:
– Croutons
– Fresh basil leaves
These add texture and color to the soup. They also enhance the flavor of every spoonful.
Substitutions for Allergies
If you have allergies, here are some simple swaps:
– Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for dairy allergies.
– Replace olive oil with avocado oil if you’re sensitive to olives.
– For a gluten-free option, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free.
These swaps help you enjoy this creamy tomato basil soup without worry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Base
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute. Stir it often until the garlic smells nice and turns light brown.
Now, carefully pour in 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes. I like to use fire-roasted tomatoes for added flavor. Then, add 1 cup of vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend nicely.
Blending Techniques for Creaminess
After the soup has simmered, remove the pot from the heat. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. If you don’t have one, you can use a countertop blender. Just remember to let the soup cool for a few minutes before blending. This avoids hot soup splattering everywhere. Blend until it looks creamy and smooth.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Also, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Let it warm up for about 5 minutes but do not let it boil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
For serving, I suggest using warm bowls. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. Add croutons and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful look. This soup not only tastes good but also looks great on the table. Enjoy this velvety tomato basil bliss!
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavor
To boost the flavor of your creamy tomato basil soup, try a few simple tricks. First, use fire-roasted tomatoes. They add a deep, smoky taste. Next, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This will brighten the flavors. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Thyme or oregano pairs well with basil. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This will give your soup a nice warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make mistakes when cooking this soup. One common error is not sautéing the onion long enough. You want it soft and sweet. If you skip the sugar, the soup can taste too acidic. Be sure to blend the soup until smooth. Chunky soup can feel unappealing. Lastly, don’t let the soup boil after adding cream. It can curdle, ruining the texture.
Tools for Simplifying the Process
You don’t need fancy tools to make this soup. A large stockpot is a must. An immersion blender makes blending easy and fast. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works well too. Just remember to cool the soup a bit first. A good cutting board and sharp knife will help with chopping. Lastly, use measuring cups for accuracy. This ensures you get the right flavors.
