How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup in Simple Steps
Tomato basil soup is a classic dish that warms your heart and soul. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. The best part? You can make this soup easily at home, even if you’re not a professional chef. In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple recipe to create a delicious bowl of creamy tomato basil soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the basic ingredients for the soup:
– Fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes): 6 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, or 2 cans (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes
– Onion: 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing
– Vegetable or chicken broth: 3 cups
– Heavy cream or milk: About 1 cup
– Fresh basil leaves: 10-15 leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper: To taste
– Sugar (optional): 1 teaspoon to balance acidity
– Optional toppings: Grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, or fresh basil for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Medium or large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and chopping board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered everything, let’s get started on this delicious recipe.
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, start by washing them thoroughly and chopping them into smaller pieces. There’s no need to peel them—once they’re cooked and blended, the skin will disappear into the soup. If you’re opting for canned tomatoes, they’re already ready to use.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Place a large pot on medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can taste bitter.
3. Cook the Tomatoes
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pot. Stir everything together, letting the tomatoes mix with the onion and garlic. If you like a slightly sweet flavor, you can sprinkle in a teaspoon of sugar to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Broth
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Let the soup cook for another 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to come together beautifully.
5. Blend the Soup
After simmering, it’s time to blend the soup to give it that smooth and creamy texture. If you have an immersion blender, place it directly into the pot and blend until the soup is silky. If you’re using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring it in batches to the blender. Be careful not to overfill the blender to avoid spills. Blend until smooth.
6. Add Cream and Basil
Once the soup is blended, return it to the pot (if you used a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream or milk to make the soup creamy. You can adjust the amount based on how rich you want the soup to be—start with 1 cup and add more if desired. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir them into the soup. Let the soup warm through for another 5 minutes on low heat. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your creamy tomato basil soup is ready! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, or a few fresh basil leaves work wonderfully. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect comfort meal.
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Make it vegan: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Conclusion
Making creamy tomato basil soup at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create a warm and comforting bowl of soup that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try, and you’ll never go back to store-bought tomato soup!
Happy cooking! 😊
