Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A Tasty Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes; with the juice; 2 carrots; finely diced (about 1 cup); 1 small onion; finely diced (about 1 cup); 3 ribs celery; finely diced (about 1 cup); 2 Tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves; ½ cup butter; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk); 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of creamy tomato basil soup on a chilly day. This luscious concoction not only warms the soul but also enchants the palate with its rich flavor and velvety texture. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of cream, this comforting dish has become a favorite for many.

Moreover, the versatility of this tomato soup allows it to serve as both a lavish appetizer and a hearty meal. Whether paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or enjoyed as a standalone dish, creamy tomato basil soup is sure to delight anyone who dares to indulge in its savory goodness.

What Makes This Soup Special:

Indulging in a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fragrant hug. What truly sets this recipe apart is its rich, velvety texture, achieved by blending ripe tomatoes with fresh basil and a splash of cream, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Each spoonful is a delightful experience, invigorated by the vibrant basil that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Moreover, it’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with crusty bread or a side of cheesy tomato tortellini soup for a comforting meal. Many people love how easy this creamy delight is to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Furthermore, if you’re looking to explore more warming soups, consider trying the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, which also delivers hearty comfort in every bite. Ultimately, this creamy tomato basil soup reflects the essence of home-cooked warmth and simplicity, making it a cherished favorite in many households.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

This delightful Creamy Tomato Basil Soup captures the essence of fresh ingredients, making it both comforting and nourishing. Gather the following ingredients for an incredible culinary experience:

1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil

For a more exciting soup recipe, check out this Creamy Mushroom Pearl Couscous Soup that also brings warmth and flavor to your table. Enjoy the boldness of tomatoes combined with fresh herbs in this creamy delight!

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

To make your savory creamy tomato basil soup, start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Then, pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes with their juice, along with 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Spice it up with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1½ teaspoons of dried basil leaves. Allow this mixture to simmer for around 20 minutes.

Next, in another saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter and whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add 1½ cups of half-and-half, stirring until thickened. Combine this creamy mixture with the soup and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. For a fresh touch, add ¼ cup of chopped basil before serving. For more comforting soup ideas, check out this delicious recipe on Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup. Enjoy your perfect bowl of warmth!

Serving Suggestions :

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup pairs beautifully with a range of sides and toppings to enhance your dining experience. For a classic approach, serve it alongside crispy, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches. The warm, gooey cheese complements the rich tomato flavors perfectly. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

For those looking for something heartier, consider pairing your creamy soup with a slice of rustic bread or warm focaccia. The bread can be dipped into the soup, creating a delightful combination of textures. If you’re in the mood for pasta, try it with a side of Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni. This savory pasta dish makes for a filling addition.

Finally, garnish your bowl with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with these delightful accompaniments!

Storage Tips for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

To ensure your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup stays fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. First, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This prevents condensation, which could dilute your delicious flavors. You can refrigerate the soup for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

If you wish to store it longer, consider freezing portions of the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space to accommodate expansion as the soup freezes. Creamy soups tend to separate when thawed, so give it a good stir after reheating to regain its silky texture. For an alternative creamy delight, check out this Creamy Mushroom Pearl Couscous Soup, perfect for easy repurposing in your meal prep. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored, this comforting soup is versatile and sure to delight!

Nutritional Information of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not just comforting; it also packs a nutritional punch. Each serving is rich in vitamins A and C, providing essential antioxidants. Furthermore, it contains about 200 calories, making it a light yet fulfilling option. To enhance your soup repertoire, consider trying Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup, which similarly combines health benefits with rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What ingredients are needed for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

For this comforting dish, you’ll need fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, onions, heavy cream, vegetable broth, and an array of spices like salt and pepper. You can also add olive oil to enhance the flavor, making it a true delight for your taste buds.

Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! To create a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This not only keeps the soup rich and creamy but also introduces a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of the original.

How do I store leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Once cooled, store your creamy tomato basil concoction in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions, which allows a quick meal option later on.

What can I serve with this soup?

Complementary sides like crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even a fresh garden salad work beautifully with creamy tomato basil soup. If you’re in the mood for something different, why not try a cheesy tomato tortellini soup to switch things up?

Is there a way to spice up this recipe?

Certainly! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Alternatively, incorporating some sautéed vegetables or a splash of balsamic vinegar enhances both the flavor and complexity of this comforting bowl.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! Using canned tomatoes is a great shortcut and often yields a rich flavor. If you opt for canned, ensure they are of high quality. They can easily be blended seamlessly into your creamy tomato basil soup for that luscious texture.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A Tasty Comfort Food Recipe

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Tomato Basil Soup, perfect for warming up on chilly days. The richness of the tomatoes combined with fresh basil creates a comforting bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes

with the juice

2 carrots

finely diced (about 1 cup)

1 small onion

finely diced (about 1 cup)

3 ribs celery

finely diced (about 1 cup)

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon Dried oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

½ cup butter

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the half and half until the mixture is smooth.
Add the cream mixture to the soup and stir well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then stir in the parmesan cheese until melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.