This warm and tasty tomato soup is perfect for cozy days. Made with juicy tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s a real comfort food!
I love to pair it with a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo! Plus, it’s super quick to make, so you’ll be enjoying a bowl in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the soup. If you need an alternative, avocado oil or butter can work nicely too.
Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are best, but canned whole tomatoes make a great substitute. They can often be easier to work with, especially off-season.
Onion: A yellow onion is perfect for this soup since it becomes sweet when cooked. If you’re out, shallots or even green onions could suffice.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup a luxurious texture. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Basil: Fresh basil is ideal for a vibrant flavor. If you can’t find fresh, use dried basil, but reduce the amount as it can be more potent.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Puree for My Soup?
To ensure your soup is velvety smooth, the blending process is key. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, which is less messy, or carefully transfer batches to a standing blender. Hold the lid down with a towel to prevent splatters!
- Blend until it reaches your desired consistency—some like it completely smooth, while others may prefer a little texture.
- If using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches for safety.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning after blending; flavors can change once combined!
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Garnish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or canned whole tomatoes)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
For Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy tomato soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy to make, and absolutely delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Your Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This builds a great base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
3. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Now, add in your chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned), broth, sugar, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.
4. Cook It Up:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Blend It Smooth:
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy, achieving the desired texture.
6. Final Touches:
Return the pureed soup to the pot (if needed), and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and butter if you choose to use it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step makes the soup rich and lush!
7. Prepare for Garnish:
In a small pan, sauté the halved cherry tomatoes in a bit of olive oil, adding a pinch of salt and herbs for extra flavor. This will brighten up your soup!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the beautifully creamy soup into bowls, drizzle a little extra cream on top, and place the sautéed cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for that finishing touch!
9. Pair It Up:
Serve your soup hot alongside some crusty bread or a cheesy grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal. Enjoy your delightful bowl of homemade tomato soup!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?
Absolutely! Canned whole tomatoes are a great alternative and can save you time, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Just drain any excess liquid if necessary and use them as you would fresh tomatoes.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely plant-based.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in advance! Simply prepare it as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. You can reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors might even become richer overnight!
