Warm up your kitchen with my Homemade Tomato Basil Soup! This flavorful and simple recipe features fresh ingredients that come together for a comforting bowl of goodness. I've included easy step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations to suit your taste. Perfect for any meal, this soup is sure to impress! Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a cozy dining experience at home.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (28-ounce) can of quality crushed tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth (unsalted)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for that touch of sweetness)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a vegan option)
![To make a delicious homemade tomato basil soup, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 (28-ounce) can of quality crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth (unsalted) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional) - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the rich flavor of the soup. The olive oil gives a nice base, while the onion and garlic add depth. The crushed tomatoes bring that classic taste, and the fresh basil provides a burst of brightness. Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the acidity of tomatoes. You can adjust the sugar to your taste. If you want a creamier texture, choose heavy cream or coconut cream. Remember, this recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that work well together. For a full recipe, check the complete instructions on how to bring these ingredients to life in your kitchen! How to sauté onion and garlic To start, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped. Sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and translucent. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir these for 1-2 minutes. This brings out the garlic's great smell without burning it. How to combine soup ingredients Next, pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of quality crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything together. Turn up the heat until it starts to simmer gently. This means little bubbles form. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend nicely. Simmering the soup for flavor After simmering, add 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar if you need to balance the tomato's acidity. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This brings an extra depth to the flavor. Using an immersion blender vs. traditional blender You can use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. This is easy and less messy. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a traditional blender in batches. Blend until it’s smooth or leave some texture if you like it that way. How to achieve the desired consistency After blending, return the soup to the pot. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer a vegan option. Heat the soup on low for 3-4 minutes to warm it through. Avoid boiling it, as this can change the cream's texture. Adding heavy cream and adjusting seasoning Once heated, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or pepper to suit your taste. If the soup feels too thick, add a bit more broth to thin it out. Best practices for keeping the soup warm To keep your tomato basil soup warm, set it on low heat. Cover the pot to trap the warmth and flavors. You can serve it in warm bowls. Drizzle some extra olive oil on top and garnish with fresh basil for a nice touch. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a full meal experience. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To enhance flavor with herbs, use fresh basil. Add it near the end of cooking. Fresh herbs brighten the soup. You can also mix in a bit of dried oregano early. It will add depth to the base. For subtle seasoning adjustments, always taste your soup. You might want more salt or pepper. A small touch of balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and balance. You can also add sugar to cut acidity if needed. For the best garnishes, serve in warm bowls. Drizzle a little olive oil on top. Add fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of black pepper can look nice too. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad can refresh your palate. This makes a complete meal that feels cozy and satisfying. Avoid overcooked garlic. It can become bitter and ruin your soup. Sauté it just until fragrant. When using canned tomatoes, choose high-quality brands. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and seed them first. Both can work, but the taste varies. Fresh tomatoes need more cooking time. {{image_4}} To make this soup vegan, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a rich texture and a hint of sweetness. This option is perfect for those who avoid dairy. You can also add different vegetables for added texture. Try carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies not only boost nutrition but also add color and flavor. For those who enjoy bold flavors, you can add spices or hot peppers. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat, while smoked paprika adds depth. You can also incorporate different herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs pair well with tomato and basil, giving your soup a unique twist. You can transform this soup into a sauce for pasta. Simply thicken it by simmering longer. This makes a quick and easy dinner. Creative garnishes can elevate your soup. Add croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh basil on top. These touches make your dish look and taste gourmet. For the full recipe, check out the delicious details! After making your soup, let it cool. Use clean, airtight containers for storage. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. For long-term storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers to avoid leaks. Refrigeration keeps it fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Freezing can extend its life to 3 months or more. To reheat your soup, use the stove or microwave. When using the stove, heat it slowly over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Avoid overcooking. If you added cream to your soup, be careful. Heat it gently to avoid curdling. Stir in the cream after reheating for the best texture. How long does homemade tomato basil soup last? In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 5 days. If frozen, it can last 3 months or longer. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or notice an off smell, dispose of the soup. Trust your senses; they are your best guide. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Here’s how to prepare them: 1. Start with about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. 2. Boil a pot of water and add tomatoes for about 30 seconds. 3. Remove them and place them in ice water to cool. 4. Peel the skin off and chop the tomatoes. 5. Add the chopped tomatoes to your soup in place of the canned ones. Using fresh tomatoes gives your soup a bright flavor that shines through. To add heat, try these tips: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and onion. - Or, toss in a diced jalapeño with the onions for a fresh kick. - You can also drizzle some hot sauce into the soup just before serving. These methods add warmth without losing the soup's rich flavor. Tomato basil soup is packed with nutrients: - Tomatoes are high in vitamins C and K, which boost your health. - Basil adds antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. - The olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health. This soup is not just tasty; it’s good for you too! Yes! Here’s how to adjust the recipe for a slow cooker: 1. Sauté the onion and garlic as usual, then add them to the slow cooker. 2. Combine all the other ingredients, except for the cream and basil. 3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 4. Stir in the basil and cream at the end, then blend as desired. This method allows flavors to develop slowly, making every bite delicious. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! - Just be sure to check the labels on your vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. - Some brands may add gluten, so look for certified gluten-free options. With the right ingredients, everyone can enjoy this flavorful soup! This blog post walks you through making a tasty tomato basil soup. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. Each step helps you create a warm and flavorful dish. Remember, using fresh herbs and adjusting seasonings can boost the soup’s taste. Whether you enjoy it as is or add your twist, this soup can warm your soul. Cooking should be fun. Dive in, experiment, and share your delicious results!](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/8fe99144-da58-450f-b44e-70b46df8e1f4-250x250.webp)