Hearty Homemade Creamy Tomato Basil Soup From Scratch Recipe

Crafting a velvety tomato basil soup from scratch can transport you to an Italian countryside kitchen with its vibrant, comforting flavors.

Ripe, sun-kissed tomatoes blend seamlessly with fragrant basil leaves, creating a symphony of taste.

Fresh ingredients form the heart of this classic recipe, promising a bowl of pure warmth.

Garden-picked tomatoes sing when combined with aromatic herbs and a touch of cream.

Each spoonful captures the essence of summer’s bounty, rich with depth and simplicity.

Homemade soups offer a personal connection that store-bought versions can never match.

Prepare to savor every luxurious, soul-warming bite of this incredible culinary experience.

Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch Ingredients

• Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes: Hearty base of the soup providing rich, deep flavor. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes work best for deeper taste.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory foundation. Fresh yellow or white onions recommended.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and complexity to the soup. Fresh garlic cloves preferred.

• Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth: Creates smooth liquid base. Low-sodium versions allow better flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Makes soup luxuriously creamy and rich. Full-fat cream gives best texture.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Brings classic Italian herb profile. Fresh basil adds bright finishing touch.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity. Optional but enhances overall flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out soup's natural flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and building initial flavor base. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.

Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch How-To

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Onions

In a spacious cooking vessel, warm olive oil over medium flame.

Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance and soften for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and release their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Introduce Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot, stirring quickly to prevent burning.

Let the garlic sizzle and release its bold aroma for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Chopped tomatoes
• Vegetable or chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer peacefully for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and develop deep complexity.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches and blend until perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

• Dried oregano
• Dried or fresh basil
• Pinch of sugar

Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as you go.

Step 6: Create Creamy Luxury

Pour heavy cream into the soup, stirring gently to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Watch as the soup transforms into a rich, dreamy delight.

Step 7: Final Warming

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing all ingredients to become best friends and temperatures to equalize.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls, then crown each serving with delicate fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup Cooking Tips from Scratch

• Select vine-ripened or San Marzano tomatoes for the most vibrant, sweet flavor that elevates the soup's taste profile.
• Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup, but if using a standard blender, blend in small batches and remove the center lid cap to prevent pressure buildup.
• Control the soup's consistency by adding more or less heavy cream based on your preference for richness and dietary needs.
• Add a pinch of sugar to counteract the tomatoes' acidity and enhance the overall depth of the soup's taste.
• Experiment with garnishes like crumbled goat cheese, crispy basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil to personalize your soup experience.

Keep Tomato Basil Soup Fresh for Days

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it cools completely before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until thoroughly warmed.

Tomato Basil Soup Side Companions

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar provides crispy, melty contrast to smooth soup texture.
• Wine Pairing Selection: Choose light-bodied Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement tomato's acidity and basil's herbaceous notes.
• Textural Side Crunch: Serve with garlic-herb croutons or toasted sourdough bread for delightful added crunch and complementary flavor profile.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Top with fresh basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil drizzle to elevate aromatic depth and create restaurant-style presentation.

Tomato Basil Soup with Recipe Options

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a plant-based recipe.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. This variation maintains the original flavor profile while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Reduce added salt and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of salt.
• Roasted Vegetable Upgrade: Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic before adding to the soup for deeper, more caramelized flavors. This method intensifies the natural sweetness and adds complexity to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes. Each type will slightly alter the soup’s texture and flavor, but they all work well in this recipe.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the broth with vegetable broth to create a completely vegetarian version of the tomato basil soup.

• How can I make the soup less acidic?

Add a small pinch of sugar or a splash of heavy cream to help balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity. This will help mellow the sharp flavor and create a smoother taste profile.

• Can I freeze this tomato basil soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add the cream after thawing and reheating for the best texture and flavor preservation.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch Feels Extra Rewarding

Savor Simplicity: Quick Homemade Comfort

• Minimal Effort Cooking: This creamy tomato basil soup requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward steps anyone can master, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Speed Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, you'll have a delicious meal ready in under 45 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights when time is precious and hunger strikes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions like casual family dinners, cozy winter evenings, or elegant dinner parties, this soup adapts effortlessly to different settings and preferences.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Use fresh or canned tomatoes, swap cream options, or adjust seasonings to match your pantry supplies and dietary needs without compromising taste.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil soup delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, velvety goodness. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes blend into a silky masterpiece promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized cooking vessel over moderate heat, introducing finely diced onions and allowing them to soften and turn translucent, releasing their delicate sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the aromatic mixture, gently sautéing until its pungent fragrance permeates the kitchen.
3. Pour in chopped or crushed tomatoes alongside vegetable broth, creating a vibrant liquid foundation that will transform into a velvety soup.
4. Allow the concoction to gently simmer, permitting the ingredients to harmonize and develop a deep, complex flavor profile over approximately 20-25 minutes.
5. Transform the rustic mixture into a silky smooth texture using an immersion blender, carefully pureeing until no discernible chunks remain. If an immersion blender is unavailable, cautiously transfer small batches to a standard blender.
6. Reintroduce the pureed soup to the cooking vessel, incorporating dried oregano, dried or fresh basil, and a whisper of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity.
7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Pour in rich, luxurious heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luscious, uniform consistency that blankets the palate with creamy elegance.
9. Let the soup gently warm through for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
10. Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves to provide a final aromatic flourish.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream for a dairy-free version that maintains rich texture and flavor.
• Remove sugar entirely or use a tiny amount of honey to balance tomato acidity without overwhelming sweetness.
• Roast tomatoes beforehand to deepen flavor profile and enhance natural caramelization, creating more complex taste dimensions.
• Experiment with adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar during sautéing stage to introduce subtle depth and tanginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg