Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your heart and soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or elegant gatherings, this soup is both comforting and sophisticated. With its rich texture and vibrant taste, it’s a dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients while packing a healthy punch with hidden vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tomatoes and fresh basil creates a classic taste that’s hard to resist.
• Hidden Veggies: Packed with carrots, celery, and onions, this soup provides essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that make cooking fun and accessible for everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even in a bread bowl for a fun twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers easily for a quick meal throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare the soup efficiently and effectively.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Provides ample space to cook and combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Immersion blender: Allows for easy pureeing directly in the pot, minimizing cleanup time.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for making the roux that thickens the soup to perfection.

Ingredients

This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is restaurant-quality DELICIOUS and it’s loaded with hidden vegetables.

• 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

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Add oil to a large soup pot over medium high heat. Once hot, add carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for about five minutes until they start to soften.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Cook for several minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender (you may need to do this in batches). Puree the soup until smooth if desired. Return it to the pot afterward.

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

In another pot over medium low heat, melt butter. Stir in flour using a whisk constantly for about ten minutes until it turns golden brown.

Step 5: Combine Roux and Soup

Add a big ladle full of soup into the roux. It will form a thick paste; then gradually add more soup while stirring until smooth. Add this mixture back into the main soup pot.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Cream

Stir in parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning as needed with additional oregano or basil. Cook for a few more minutes until warmed through.

Step 7: Store Leftovers

Store any leftover tomato basil soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Enjoy this creamy Tomato Basil Soup served in homemade bread bowls or alongside your favorite crusty bread!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your meal. This delicious soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and texture.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding a satisfying crunch.

In a Bread Bowl

• Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation that adds flavor and texture.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness to your dish.

Garnished with Parmesan

• Shaving fresh parmesan over the soup right before serving can add a rich, nutty flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.

With a Side Salad

• Pairing it with a light side salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

To achieve the ultimate Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, consider these simple tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil enhance flavor significantly compared to canned or dried versions.
• Blend Smoothly: For an extra creamy texture, blend until completely smooth. An immersion blender works best for convenience.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference for seasoning.
• Create a Flavor Base: Sautéing onions, celery, and carrots creates a flavorful base before adding liquids.
• Experiment with Creaminess: Substitute half and half with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option without losing creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Complement your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with these delightful side dishes that will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic pairing! The gooey cheese and crisp bread contrast nicely with the soup’s creaminess.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan and croutons provides a refreshing crunch alongside the warm soup.

3. Garlic Bread
   Toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last spoonful of soup while adding rich flavors.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients to your meal while balancing the soup’s richness.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for an appealing and hearty side dish that pairs well with tomato flavors.

6. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze on skewers offer a refreshing bite that complements the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using canned tomatoes without draining: Always use the juice from the cans but consider draining excess liquid if you prefer a thicker soup.
• Skipping the roux preparation: The roux adds creaminess and thickness. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for the perfect texture.
• Not blending enough: For a truly creamy soup, blend thoroughly. An immersion blender works best, but don’t hesitate to use a regular blender in batches.
• Overcooking vegetables: While you want them tender, overcooking can lead to mushy results. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing it to avoid condensation.

Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.

Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

How can I customize my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor. You can also swap out fresh basil for other herbs.

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or fresh salads for a complete meal.

How do I store leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze as instructed above.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Try this comforting recipe today!