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To make this creamy tomato basil soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 cups canned whole tomatoes (including the juice) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) - Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Croutons or toasted crusty bread, for serving These ingredients create a rich and comforting bowl of soup. You can easily modify the recipe to fit your needs. Here are some ideas: - For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut milk. - If you are gluten-free, choose gluten-free croutons or skip them entirely. - Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you need to watch your salt intake. - Fresh tomatoes work if you prefer them over canned, just adjust the cooking time. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Choose organic canned tomatoes for better flavor and fewer additives. - Fresh basil should be vibrant and fragrant; this will enhance the soup's taste. - Opt for homemade vegetable broth when possible; it adds a rich depth. - Always use fresh garlic and onion for the best aroma and taste. These small changes can elevate your creamy tomato basil soup to a whole new level! Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. You want it to be soft and clear. Next, add in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook these for 1-2 minutes. You will smell their wonderful aroma fill the air. Now it’s time to add the star ingredients. Pour in the canned whole tomatoes along with their juice. Next, add the vegetable broth. Stir everything well to mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will deepen the flavors and blend the ingredients nicely. After simmering, grab your immersion blender. Carefully blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you use a countertop blender, let the soup cool a bit before blending. This keeps you safe from hot splashes. Once blended, return the soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh basil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. For the full recipe, check out the guide above. When making creamy tomato basil soup, some errors can spoil the taste. Here are some to watch for: - Overcooking the garlic: This can make it bitter. Always sauté until fragrant, not browned. - Skipping the sugar: It balances the soup's acidity. Never skip it for a well-rounded flavor. - Not blending enough: Leave some chunks, and your soup may taste uneven. Aim for a smooth, creamy texture. To make the best soup, follow these simple tips: - Use quality canned tomatoes: Look for whole tomatoes packed in juice, not sauce. They offer the best flavor. - Sauté the onions long enough: They should be soft and translucent. This builds a strong flavor base. - Add basil at the end: Fresh basil loses flavor if cooked too long. Add it just before serving for a burst of freshness. Want to elevate your soup? Here’s how: - Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add warmth. - Incorporate fresh herbs: Besides basil, try a touch of thyme or parsley for added depth. - Drizzle with olive oil: A bit of high-quality olive oil on top gives a rich finish. For more details, check out the Full Recipe to create your own creamy tomato basil bliss! {{image_4}} You can make this soup dairy-free with coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy. Use the same amount of coconut cream as heavy cream. It brings a nice, subtle sweetness. If you want to skip cream altogether, try cashew cream. Soak cashews in water, blend until smooth, and stir it in at the end. You can boost nutrition by adding more vegetables. Carrots and celery work well. Sauté them with the onion at the start. Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end. They wilt quickly and add a lovely green color. These veggies also add flavor and texture to the soup. Want to spice up your soup? Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice depth. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add unique flavors that brighten the dish. Experiment with different herbs to find your perfect blend. To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, let it cool down first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This method keeps the soup tasty and safe. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you can't eat it all, you can freeze the leftovers too. When you want to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently. You can use a pot on low heat or the microwave. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between intervals. This helps warm it evenly and avoids hot spots. To freeze your soup, let it cool fully before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready whenever you crave it. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Start with about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Remove their skins by blanching them in boiling water for a minute. Then, chop them up and add them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes will give the soup a bright flavor. However, you may need to add a bit more broth to reach the right consistency. To spice up your soup, add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers. Start with a small amount. You can always add more, but it’s hard to remove spice once it’s in. Another option is to mix in some hot sauce before serving. It adds depth and heat. I love serving this soup with croutons or toasted bread. They add a nice crunch. A light green salad pairs well too, balancing the meal. You can also try a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. The melty cheese complements the soup’s creaminess. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this blog post, we explored making creamy tomato basil soup from scratch. I shared a full list of ingredients, along with easy substitutes for dietary needs. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and blending the soup. We also covered tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to make unique variations. Finally, you discovered how to store leftovers and enjoyed answers to common questions. Now, grab your ingredients and begin your cooking adventure! You won’t regret it.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Indulge in the comfort of Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss with our easy recipe! This rich and flavorful soup combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy goodness for a delightful dish ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, serve it alongside crusty bread for an unforgettable meal. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups canned whole tomatoes (including the juice)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Croutons or toasted crusty bread, for serving

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and tender.

    Add Garlic and Oregano: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will release their delightful aromas and flavor.

      Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned whole tomatoes with their juices along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together until combined, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Simmer for Flavor: Allow the tomato mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will deepen the flavors and meld the ingredients beautifully.

          Blend to Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you’re using a countertop blender, make sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches for safety.

            Add Cream and Seasonings: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

              Finish with Basil: Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will let the basil infuse its fresh flavor throughout the soup.

                Serve and Garnish: Remove the soup from heat. Serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a side of croutons or slices of toasted crusty bread for an added crunch.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil over each bowl before serving, and consider pairing with a light green salad for a complete meal.