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To make a delicious creamy tomato basil soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1/2 teaspoon sugar - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan version) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Optional: Croutons or fresh basil for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The olive oil adds richness. The onion and garlic provide a savory base. Diced tomatoes bring brightness and sweetness. Vegetable broth adds depth, while sugar balances acidity. For creaminess, you can use heavy cream or coconut cream. Fresh basil gives the soup its name and a fresh taste. Balsamic vinegar adds a hint of tang that elevates the soup. If you want to add a fun touch, top your soup with croutons or extra basil. These garnishes not only look great but also add texture. This list keeps things simple and tasty. You can find the full recipe to dive into making this warm, comforting soup. 1. Sautéing the onion and garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for 1 more minute. You want the garlic to smell good. 2. Adding tomatoes and broth Now, pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, with all the juices. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth, along with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well. The sugar helps balance the flavors. 3. Simmering for flavor development Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps all the flavors come together. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom. 1. Pureeing the soup for a creamy texture After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend it well, then return it to the pot. 2. Stirring in cream and basil Place the pot back on low heat. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you want a vegan version. Add 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Heat it through, but do not let it boil. 3. Final seasoning adjustments Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a little tang. This adds a nice depth to the flavor. This creamy tomato basil soup is not just easy to make, but it also brings warmth and comfort. Check the Full Recipe for more details and tips! Using fresh ingredients makes this soup shine. Fresh basil adds a burst of taste. Always pick firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can, grow your own herbs. They will taste better and smell amazing. Adjust your seasoning based on your taste. You might want more salt or pepper. A pinch of sugar balances the acid in the tomatoes. I also love adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. It gives a nice tang that brightens the soup. Serve this soup in rustic bowls to make it look inviting. Drizzle olive oil on top for a fancy touch. Add a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish. It makes the dish pop with color. Pair the soup with crusty bread. This adds a nice crunch and helps soak up every drop. You could also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this creamy tomato basil soup to fit your diet. For a vegan and dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and creamy while staying plant-based. You won’t miss the dairy at all. If you need a gluten-free version, the good news is this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth is free from gluten. You can enjoy this soup without any worries. Let's spice things up! You can add different spices or herbs to change the flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. If you love herbs, try adding oregano or thyme instead of basil. Incorporating veggies boosts nutrition. Carrots and bell peppers blend well with tomatoes. You can also add spinach or kale for extra vitamins. Just chop them finely and add them during the simmering step. These variations make the creamy tomato basil soup truly your own. For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, place the soup in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If it looks good, just reheat and enjoy! If you want to freeze portions, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir it well to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to get the right consistency again. How to make creamy tomato basil soup without cream? You can make this soup creamy without cream by using blended cauliflower or cashews. Both options add a rich texture. Simply cook cauliflower until soft, then blend it into the soup. For cashews, soak them in water and blend until smooth before adding to the soup. Can you use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then peel and chop. This gives a fresh taste, but you may need to add a bit more broth for consistency. What to serve with creamy tomato basil soup? This soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto for added flavor. Tips for adjusting serving sizes To adjust serving sizes, simply scale the recipe. For fewer servings, halve the ingredients. For more servings, double them. Always taste as you go to ensure the flavors balance. How to incorporate leftovers in other recipes Leftover soup works well in pasta dishes, casseroles, or as a base for stews. You can also use it as a sauce for baked chicken or fish. Just reheat and add your favorite protein or grains for a quick meal. This blog post covered how to make a tasty creamy tomato basil soup. You learned about the key ingredients, like olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh basil. The step-by-step instructions helped you prepare the soup easily. We also discussed tips for enhancing flavor, serving ideas, and dietary variations. In summary, you can make this dish your own. Use fresh ingredients and explore different flavors. Enjoy the comfort of homemade soup any time!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds with this creamy tomato basil soup recipe! Simple and savory, it features fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich cream. Learn how to make a delicious bowl of comfort perfect for any occasion. This soup is not only easy to prepare but can also be adapted to suit dietary preferences. Click through for the full recipe and start cooking your way to cozy happiness today!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan version)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Optional: Croutons or fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

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

      Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

        Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

          Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.)

            Once blended, return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and chopped basil. Heat through, but do not boil.

              Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the balsamic vinegar for a hint of tang.

                Serve hot, garnished with croutons and additional basil if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top and a few basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy alongside some crusty bread for a complete meal!