Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or even as a starter for formal dinners, this soup brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. The rich, creamy consistency is complemented by the freshness of basil and the sweetness of hidden vegetables. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be whipped up in no time.
- Loaded with Vegetables: Hidden carrots and celery not only enhance flavor but also boost nutrition.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter, main course, or even in a bread bowl for a fun twist.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The addition of parmesan cheese and half-and-half creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Great for Meal Prep: This creamy tomato basil soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious creamy tomato basil soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Blender (immersion or standard)
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Soup Pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients evenly while providing ample space for blending.
- Blender: Essential for achieving that silky smooth texture that makes this soup irresistible.
- Whisk: Helps in creating a smooth roux, which is key for thickening your soup perfectly.
Ingredients
This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is restaurant-quality DELICIOUS and it’s loaded with hidden vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 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)
– 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
– ½ cup butter
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
– 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Add oil to a large soup pot over medium high heat. Once hot, add carrots, onions, and celery and sauté them for a few minutes until softened.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until all vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return it to the pot if using a standard blender.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a separate pot, melt butter over medium low heat. Stir in flour continuously for about ten minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 5: Mix Roux with Soup
Add a ladle of the soup into the roux to create a thick paste. Gradually add more soup until combined smoothly. Stir this mixture back into the main pot.
Step 6: Finish with Creaminess
Stir in parmesan cheese, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cook for additional minutes until heated through.
Step 7: Store Leftovers
Store any remaining tomato basil soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup on its own or served in a delicious homemade bread bowl!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, these suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Pairing the soup with a loaf of crusty bread adds a delightful texture and flavor. Try sourdough or baguette for dipping!
In a Bread Bowl
- Serve the soup in a homemade bread bowl for a fun and unique presentation. It makes for an edible vessel that soaks up the delicious flavors.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing with chopped fresh basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness to each bite.
Accompanied by Grilled Cheese
- Enjoying the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich creates the perfect comfort food pairing. The melty cheese complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
With Salad
- Serve alongside a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad works well to balance the richness of the soup.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top before serving adds an elegant touch and enhances the flavor profile.
How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
To ensure your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh herbs – Fresh basil will provide more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. Add it towards the end for maximum freshness.
- Don’t skip the roux – This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. Make sure it’s cooked until golden brown for depth of flavor.
- Blend thoroughly – For an ultra-smooth soup, blend until completely smooth. If you like some texture, blend partially.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
- Add cheese gradually – Stir in grated Parmesan little by little to prevent clumping and ensure even distribution throughout the soup.
- Store correctly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
When enjoying your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic that pairs perfectly with tomato soup; try different cheeses for variety.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the rich, creamy soup.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light salad adds freshness; toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added crunch.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Stuffed Peppers – For something heartier, stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a filling side.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth of flavor and nutrition; consider zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Cheese Quesadillas – Quick and easy quesadillas offer cheesy goodness that complements the flavors of the soup.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad can provide a nice contrast; use ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and vinaigrette dressing for flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Neglecting the Vegetables: Don’t skip adding hidden veggies like carrots and celery. They enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Overcooking the Roux: Ensure the roux is a nice golden brown, not burnt. Burnt roux will spoil the soup’s taste.
- Skipping the Blender Step: If you prefer a smooth texture, blend your soup well. A chunky soup can lack that creamy consistency.
- Not Tasting as You Go: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to suit your palate.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of tomatoes and broth matters. Use fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Best used within three months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Creamy Tomato Basil Soup so special?
This soup combines rich flavors from tomatoes and basil with a creamy texture that is comforting and satisfying.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor.
What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches or serve in bread bowls for a delightful meal.
How do I customize my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
Feel free to add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or mix in other vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different herbs or spices. Try making it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of warmth!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a starter for any gathering, this soup combines rich, velvety textures with the fresh flavors of basil and hidden vegetables. Enhanced by the creaminess of Parmesan cheese and half-and-half, each spoonful is a warm hug on a chilly day. Quick and easy to make, this delightful dish is packed with nutrients thanks to its blend of tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread or grilled cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced carrots, onion, and celery until softened.
- Stir in canned tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil; bring to a gentle boil until vegetables are tender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium-low heat; add flour and stir continuously for about 10 minutes until golden brown to create a roux.
- Gradually mix some soup into the roux until combined smoothly; return it to the main pot.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and chopped basil; heat through and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
