Tantalizing Tomato Basil Soup (A Delicious Twist On A Classic)

As a food enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the delightful combination of flavors and the comforting nature of soups.

One particular soup that holds a special place in my heart is Tomato Basil Soup.

The aroma of ripe tomatoes mingling with the aromatic notes of fresh basil leaves creates a symphony of taste that is hard to resist.

Personally, tomato basil soup reminds me of cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, savoring the warmth it brings to both body and soul.

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of tomato basil soup that instantly transports me to a state of comfort and contentment.

Not only is tomato basil soup a delicious treat, but it also offers a range of benefits that make it even more appealing.

Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy meal option or looking to indulge in a nutritious and flavorful dish, tomato basil soup has you covered.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own homemade tomato basil soup.

We’ll explore the key ingredients, delve into the preparation steps, uncover useful cooking instructions, and even discover some exciting variations to suit your preferences.

So, grab a ladle, and let’s dive into the world of tomato basil soup together!

The Essential Ingredients for Tomato Basil Soup

To create a delectable pot of tomato basil soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Tomatoes (fresh or canned): Tomatoes form the heart and soul of this soup. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes if they are in season.

Otherwise, canned tomatoes can be a convenient alternative.

Tomatoes on a white background

Fresh basil leaves: The fragrant and aromatic basil leaves add a burst of freshness to the soup.

Use a generous amount of fresh basil to infuse the soup with its distinct flavor.

Basil leaves isolated close up on white backgrounds

Onion: A finely chopped onion acts as a flavor base and provides a savory note to the soup. It contributes to the overall flavor by adding depth and richness.

Sliced Red onion on white

Garlic: Enhance the soup’s flavor with some minced garlic. Its pungent and slightly sweet profile complements the tomatoes and basil perfectly.

A pile of peeled garlic cloves prepared for cooking spices. on a white background

Vegetable broth: To create a flavorful and well-rounded soup, vegetable broth serves as the liquid base.

You can use store-bought vegetable broth or prepare your own at home.

vegetable broth

Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil brings a touch of richness and smoothness to the soup.

It helps to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the dish with its delicate flavors.

Close-up of olive oil in container with olives on rustic kitchen table

Salt and pepper: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. These common kitchen staples elevate the flavors and balance the overall taste profile.

Salt and black pepper in wooden bowl

Now that we have the ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to the next section and explore the preparation steps. Prepare yourself for an exciting culinary journey!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

Before we dive into cooking the tomato basil soup, let’s go through the essential preparation steps to ensure a smooth and delightful cooking experience.

Tomato Basil Soup

Recipe by Teal NotesCourse: Lifestyle, Recipes
Servings

4-6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

100-150

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or canned crushed tomatoes)

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)

Directions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. If using fresh tomatoes, simmer for about 15 minutes until they soften.

    If using canned crushed tomatoes, you can skip this step and proceed to the next.
  • Stir in the chopped basil leaves and dried oregano. Add the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, and carefully puree the soup until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids and do it in batches if using a regular blender.
  • If desired, stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy texture and add richness to the soup. Heat the soup gently for a few more minutes, but avoid boiling.
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
  • Serve the tomato basil soup hot. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.



Here’s what you need to do:

Preparing the tomatoes:

If you’re using fresh tomatoes, wash them thoroughly and remove the stems.

You can either peel the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for a minute and then transferring them to an ice bath, or you can keep the skins on for a more rustic texture.

If you’re using canned tomatoes, drain the liquid and set them aside.

Chopping the onion and garlic:

Take a medium-sized onion and finely chop it. Aim for small, uniform pieces that will blend seamlessly into the soup.

Peel and mince the garlic cloves. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.

Preparing the basil leaves:

Gently wash the fresh basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Remove the basil leaves from the stems and discard any tough or discolored leaves.

Optionally, you can tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces for easier blending.

Cooking the soup base:

Over medium heat, warm a small amount of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it turns translucent and slightly golden, releasing its sweet aroma.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Blending the soup:

If you prefer a chunky soup, add the prepared tomatoes (fresh or canned) directly to the pot along with the sautéed onion and garlic.

Proceed to the cooking instructions in the next section.

For a smoother consistency, transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a blender or food processor.

Add the tomatoes and blend until you achieve your desired texture. This method ensures a silky, creamy soup with no tomato skins or onion bits.

Now that the ingredients are prepped and ready, and the soup base is prepared, it’s time to move on to the exciting part: cooking the tomato basil soup!

Master the Art of Cooking Tomato Basil Soup

Now that we have the soup base ready, it’s time to bring all the flavors together and cook the tomato basil soup to perfection. Follow these simple cooking instructions:

1. Sautéing the onion and garlic:

Place the pot with the soup base over medium heat.

Sauté the onion and garlic until they turn golden brown, releasing their delightful aromas.

Ensure to stir intermittently to avoid any sticking or burning.

2. Adding tomatoes and broth:

If you opted for a chunky soup, add the prepared tomatoes (fresh or canned) to the pot, along with their juices. Stir well to combine.

If you blended the soup base, pour the blended mixture back into the pot, ensuring all the flavors are reunited.

Pour in the vegetable broth, covering the ingredients. The amount of broth can vary depending on your desired consistency.

3. Simmering the soup:

Heat the soup over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil.

Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Adding basil leaves:

Gently incorporate the fresh basil leaves into the soup by adding them to the pot and giving a delicate stir.

Let the soup continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse its aromatic essence into the dish.

5. Seasoning with salt and pepper:

Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Begin with a modest quantity and make adjustments according to your preference.

Remember, it’s easier to add more seasoning later, so start with a conservative amount.

6. Blending the soup for a smooth consistency:

If you prefer a velvety smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it reaches the desired consistency.

Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Be cautious when working with hot liquids and leave enough space for steam to escape.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked your tomato basil soup with love and care.

The flavors have melded beautifully, and your kitchen is filled with a delightful aroma.

Now, it’s time to move on to the next section and discover serving suggestions, garnishing options, and exciting variations to make this soup even more enjoyable!

Elevate Your Tomato Basil Soup Experience

Now that your tomato basil soup is cooked to perfection, it’s time to explore different ways to serve and customize this delectable dish.

Here are some serving suggestions, garnishing options, and exciting variations to elevate your tomato basil soup experience:

Garnishing options:

Fresh basil leaves: Tear some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top of each serving. This adds a vibrant pop of color and enhances the basil flavor.

Croutons: Toasted or homemade croutons provide a delightful crunch and texture contrast to the smooth soup.

Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup for a savory and cheesy twist.

A drizzle of olive oil: Add a final touch of richness by drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the soup.

Serving suggestions:

Classic pairing: Serve the tomato basil soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping and savoring the flavors.

Grilled cheese sandwich: Indulge in the timeless combination of a grilled cheese sandwich alongside your tomato basil soup. The melted cheese and crispy bread create a perfect match.

Salad accompaniment: Pair the soup with a refreshing side salad, such as a simple mixed green salad or a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Vegan or dairy-free variations:

Coconut milk: Substitute some or all of the vegetable broth with creamy coconut milk to create a luscious, dairy-free version of tomato basil soup.

Cashew cream: Soak cashews in water, then blend them until smooth to create a creamy, vegan base for the soup.

Nutritional yeast: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Flavorful additions:

Roasted red peppers: Blend roasted red peppers into the soup for a smoky and slightly sweet twist.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop up sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the soup for an intense burst of umami flavor.

Balsamic reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the soup to add tanginess and complexity.

Remember, these serving suggestions and variations are just the beginning. Feel free to get creative and tailor the soup to your taste preferences.

Tomato basil soup is a versatile canvas for culinary exploration!

Unleash Your Inner Chef And Dive Into My Free Meal Prep Plan

Free meal prep plan

Ready to revolutionize your mealtime routine?

Discover the secrets to effortless cooking with my free meal prep plan centered around mouthwatering tomato basil soup.

As a busy woman craving delicious and nutritious meals, I’ve crafted a personalized guide just for you.

With my step-by-step instructions and time-saving tips, you’ll breeze through meal prep and savor the flavors of homemade goodness every day.

Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to a healthier, more convenient lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock your culinary potential and enjoy the comforting embrace of tomato basil soup.

Start your culinary journey today and experience the joy of nourishing yourself with a touch of gourmet flair.

Get your free meal prep plan now and let the kitchen adventures begin!

Leave a Comment