Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a culinary delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your home. Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with hidden vegetables, making it both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this soup will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh basil and tomatoes creates a rich, satisfying taste that warms the soul.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, this soup is a healthy choice for any meal.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this creamy tomato basil soup in just 40 minutes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own or in a homemade bread bowl for a fun twist!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it ideal for busy days ahead.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering your creamy tomato basil soup evenly.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup smoothly without transferring it to another container.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating a smooth roux, ensuring your soup has that rich creamy texture.

Ingredients

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

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)

Broth & Seasonings

• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

Creamy Elements

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)

Final Touches

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender or regular blender (you may need to do this in batches) to puree the soup until smooth. This step is optional if you prefer a chunky texture. Return it to the soup pot.

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

In a separate pot over medium low heat, add butter until melted. Stir in flour while whisking constantly for about 10 minutes or until the roux turns golden brown.

Step 5: Combine Roux with Soup

Add a big ladle full of the soup to the roux; it will start forming a thick paste. Stir well until smooth then add this mixture back into the main soup pot.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Stir in parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with additional oregano or basil if desired. 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.

Step 8: Serve

Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup served in delicious homemade bread bowls!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your meal experience, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your soup’s presentation and flavor.

In a Bread Bowl

• A freshly baked bread bowl adds a rustic touch and is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Pairing this soup with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches creates a classic comfort food combination.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with extra chopped basil or parsley brightens the dish and adds freshness.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and depth of flavor.

Served with Crusty Bread

• A side of crusty bread allows you to savor every last drop of the creamy tomato basil soup.

Accompanied by a Salad

• A light, green salad complements the richness of the soup while adding crunch and freshness.

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How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is simple with these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs will enhance the flavors, making your soup taste vibrant.

• Blend until smooth: For the best texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth.

• Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.

• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

• Add creaminess: A splash of heavy cream or more half-and-half can make your soup even richer and creamier.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Complementing your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic pairing that brings warmth and satisfaction alongside your flavorful soup.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing balances the creamy texture of the soup wonderfully.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your delicious tomato basil goodness.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich soup.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms provide a tasty bite-sized option that complements the soup’s flavors.

6. Cheesy Biscuits
   Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese are delightful when dipped into warm tomato basil soup.

7. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition, enhancing your dining experience.

8. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offers variety alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the outcome of their Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté vegetables can lead to a bland soup. Always sauté carrots, onions, and celery until softened for maximum flavor.
• Not using quality tomatoes: Cheap canned tomatoes can result in a less flavorful soup. Opt for high-quality diced tomatoes for the best taste.
• Overcooking the roux: Allowing the roux to become too dark can create an undesirable flavor. Keep stirring and pay attention to its color.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Underseasoning can make your soup flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly.
• Ignoring blending preferences: Some may prefer a chunky soup while others like it smooth. Decide before starting whether you’ll blend or leave it chunky.
• Forgetting fresh herbs at the end: Adding fresh basil only at the end enhances the soup’s aroma and freshness. Don’t skip this crucial step!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Can be refrigerated for up to one week.

Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup so special?

This soup is special because it combines rich flavors from fresh ingredients with hidden vegetables, making it deliciously comforting and nutritious.

Can I customize my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables or spices based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs as well.

What can I serve with this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

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

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup will last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well both in the fridge and freezer, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perfect comfort food option any time of year. Don’t hesitate to try different variations; whether adding more veggies or adjusting spices, you’re sure to create something wonderful every time!