A smooth and comforting tomato basil soup, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe balances acidity and creates a silky texture, ideal for pairing with grilled cheese.
Author:Caroline Hayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (in batches if necessary) or use an immersion blender to blend until very smooth. For an immersion blender, blend directly in the pot. If using a standard blender, do not fill it more than halfway, and hold the lid down with a towel while blending.
Return the soup to the pot if you used a standard blender. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil.
Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and onions before adding them to the pot.
This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Approximate calories per cup (using heavy cream): 150-200 calories.
Pair with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination.
Consider this soup as part of your meal planning for comforting weeknight dinners.