Description
Tomato Basil Soup is a smooth, flavorful, and comforting soup made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add canned tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste (if using), and broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes.
- Add fresh basil leaves, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or blend in batches using a blender).
- Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
- Stir in cream or milk if using, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or a drizzle of cream if desired.
Notes
Use San Marzano tomatoes for richer flavor.For deeper flavor, roast fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion before adding to the soup.Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.For a vegan option, use coconut milk or omit cream entirely.Blend only part of the soup for a chunkier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
