Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

$To start, fresh ingredients bring life to this soup. Here’s what you need: - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped These ingredients create a bright and tasty base. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic gives a great aroma. Basil provides a fresh, herbaceous kick that makes this soup special. Next are the pantry staples. These are easy to find: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These items form the heart of the soup. Crushed tomatoes give a rich flavor, and broth adds depth. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while oregano lends warmth. If you want to jazz it up, consider these optional ingredients: - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option These ingredients can take your soup to the next level. Red pepper flakes bring a bit of spice, and cream adds a silky richness. For a lighter version, coconut cream is a great choice! For the full recipe, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss . Start by gathering your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, cream, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic. This will make your soup taste fresh and bright. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the soup has simmered, take it off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth. If you like it chunky, blend just part of the soup. After blending, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Return the pot to low heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This will help meld all the flavors together. Finally, add the chopped basil and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir well and taste for seasoning. You can adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with more basil or a drizzle of cream. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup as it warms your soul! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. To boost the taste of your creamy tomato basil soup, focus on fresh herbs. Fresh basil makes a big difference. You can add it at the end for a bright flavor. You can also try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. This adds a nice tang that pairs well with tomatoes. For depth, consider using roasted garlic. Roasting brings out a sweet flavor that works magic in the soup. To achieve a smooth, creamy texture, use heavy cream or coconut cream. If you want a lighter option, blend in some Greek yogurt right before serving. Always blend the soup until it’s very smooth. An immersion blender is great for this. If you want a bit of chunkiness, blend just half the soup. This gives a contrast that many enjoy. Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. A sprig of fresh basil on top looks lovely. You can also drizzle a bit of cream over it for extra richness. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. This combo makes for a cozy meal. If you want more fun, try adding some croutons for crunch. For a festive touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your flavorful comfort food! {{image_2}} You can easily make this creamy tomato basil soup dairy-free. Just swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This change keeps the soup rich and smooth. You won't lose any flavor. You can also use almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version. Each option adds a unique taste that you might love. Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a nice twist. You can also try a pinch of basil or tarragon for a different flavor. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Smoked paprika can give a warm depth to the soup. Experiment with these additions to find what you enjoy most. Want to boost the nutrition of your soup? Try adding some chopped spinach or kale. These greens blend well and add vitamins. You can also stir in some cooked lentils or beans for protein. Grated carrots or zucchini can add extra fiber. Each of these add-ins makes the soup heartier and more filling. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss section. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Pour the soup into the container, leaving some space at the top. Seal it well to keep air out. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you want to enjoy the soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. If it seems too thick, add a little water or broth. Heat until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir every minute until it’s hot. If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a bit of space at the top because soup expands when frozen. Label each container with the date. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, simply move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. For the entire recipe of this delightful dish, check the Full Recipe. You can thicken your soup easily. Use more cream or add a starch. Try cornstarch mixed with water. This will help your soup become rich and creamy. You can also let it simmer longer. This reduces the liquid and thickens the soup naturally. If you want a hearty texture, add cooked rice or mashed potatoes. These options give you a thick, satisfying soup. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Make it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just cool it down before you put it in a container. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly. If you freeze it, use it within three months for best flavor. This soup pairs well with many tasty sides. A classic choice is grilled cheese sandwiches. They add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This helps soak up the soup and adds texture. For a lighter option, try a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well to balance the richness. For more fun, consider cheese toast or garlic bread. These options will make your meal even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss section. To sum up, we explored making creamy tomato basil soup with fresh, pantry, and optional ingredients. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor and texture, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, proper storage and reheating keep your soup tasty. This simple dish brings joy to your table. Enjoy each comforting bowl today and make it your own!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy tomato basil bliss with this delightful soup recipe! With simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, you can create a comforting dish in just 40 minutes. Perfect as a main course or paired with crusty bread, this recipe is sure to warm your heart. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delicious comfort food!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.

Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, and return the pot to low heat. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Add the chopped basil and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir well and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of cream.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh basil. Offer a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping!