This warm and comforting tomato soup is like a hug in a bowl! It’s made with juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a dash of cream to make it creamy and delicious.
I’ll be honest, I could sip this all day! Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, and it’s a match made in heaven. Nothing says cozy like this combo! 🥪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using olive oil for its fruity flavor, but butter adds a rich taste. You can even use coconut oil if you’re avoiding dairy!
Onions: Yellow onions are best for this soup, as they caramelize nicely. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or red onions can work as alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you only have garlic powder, 1/8 tsp per clove can work, but the taste won’t be quite as strong.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are tasty! However, canned tomatoes are easy to use and can be just as good. Look for whole peeled tomatoes in juice for the best flavor.
Broth: Vegetable broth is my go-to for a lighter flavor, but chicken broth works well if you’re not vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half, or replace it with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist!
How Do You Get a Silky Smooth Soup?
Pureeing the soup to a smooth consistency is vital for that lovely texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- When the soup is done cooking, let it cool slightly to avoid splatters.
- If using a blender, fill it only halfway as the hot liquid expands.
- Blend in batches if needed until the soup is creamy and smooth.
- For an even velvety result, pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer after blending.
Just remember, blending the soup is key to achieving that nice, silky feel—it makes all the difference!
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil and Croutons
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs (about 900g) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Richness:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful, plus extra for garnish)
- Croutons for topping (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy tomato soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, totaling around 50 minutes. Perfect for a relaxing evening dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base!
2. Add Garlic:
Once your onions are ready, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir gently to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn—burnt garlic can make the soup bitter!
3. Incorporate Tomatoes:
Now, add in your chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with their juices). Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the tomatoes start to break down and get juicy!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This helps to meld all those delightful flavors together.
5. Season to Taste:
Add sugar, salt, and pepper to your liking. The sugar is optional—it simply helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
6. Blend the Soup:
Take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until creamy.
7. Add Cream and Basil:
Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves. Gently warm the soup through, but avoid boiling it.
8. Final Taste Check:
Give it another taste. If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a splash more cream!
9. Serve it Up:
Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. For an extra touch, drizzle a little more cream or olive oil on top if you like.
10. Garnish:
Finish off with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of croutons for that perfect crunch.
11. Enjoy:
Serve your tomato soup hot, ideally paired with some toasted bread on the side. Cozy up and enjoy every spoonful of this velvety delight!
Enjoy this velvety tomato soup that’s bright, creamy, and herbaceous—perfect for a cozy meal!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a great choice and can save you time. Just use the same amount as you would for fresh tomatoes. They often have a richer flavor too!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half works well. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, which adds a nice flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the sautéing step to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup. Just chop them small so they cook quickly!
