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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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A silky and velvety tomato basil soup with a bright fresh basil flavor, perfect for cozy dinners and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium celery stalks, diced
  • 28 oz (800 g) whole peeled canned tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste (kosher recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently until vegetables are soft and onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Pour in canned tomatoes with juices and gently break them up with a spoon. Add 3 cups broth and stir to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Taste and add sugar if tomatoes are too acidic. Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Remove pot from heat and blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth and velvety. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches carefully.
  7. Return blended soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk until fully incorporated.
  8. Add most of the chopped basil, reserving some for garnish. Heat gently without boiling.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with reserved basil leaves.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing the aromatics to build flavor. Blend slowly to avoid frothy texture. Add cream or coconut milk off heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling. Fresh basil should be added near the end to preserve flavor and color. Soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld. Reheat gently on stove, avoid high power microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil soup, easy tomato soup, homemade tomato soup, dairy-free tomato soup, comfort food, quick soup recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-velvety-soup/