Description
Tomato basil soup is a smooth, flavorful, and comforting classic made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of creaminess. Perfect on its own or paired with grilled cheese, it’s a cozy dish for any season.
Ingredients
2 lbs ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes (or canned) and cook down for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in broth to cover tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.
- Add fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer another 5 minutes.
- Blend with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer in batches to a blender for a silkier texture).
- For creaminess, stir in heavy cream before serving.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with basil, and serve hot.
Notes
Roast tomatoes with olive oil and garlic before adding for a deeper flavor.
Skip cream for a lighter, dairy-free version, or use coconut milk for vegan.
Top with parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Add rice, quinoa, or small pasta for a heartier soup.
Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg