There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato basil soup recipe to comfort your soul and satisfy your taste buds. This classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful soup that's perfect for any season. Whether you're looking for a cozy lunch or a light dinner option, this homemade tomato basil soup recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This soup has earned its place as a beloved comfort food classic for good reasons. The combination of sweet, ripe tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's both sophisticated and familiar. It's incredibly versatile – enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food duo.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Pro Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Equipment For Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Storage and Reheating
- Recipe Variations
- The Cozy Secret Behind Grandma’s Tomato Basil Soup
- FAQ
- Tomato Basil Soup Recipe – A Timeless Classic with Everyday Elegance
- Related
- Pairing
- Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Base Soup:
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Ripe tomatoes (or 2 28-oz cans whole peeled tomatoes)
- Vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan version)
- Fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Croutons
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan version)
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- If using fresh tomatoes, core and roughly chop them. For canned tomatoes, crush them by hand or with a wooden spoon.
Building the Soup
- Add tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are very soft.
- Add fresh basil leaves and optional sugar. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches.
- Return the soup to low heat and stir in the cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. In off-season months, high-quality canned tomatoes often taste better than fresh ones.
- Don't skip the sugar if your tomatoes are acidic – it helps balance the flavors without making the soup sweet.
- For a silky-smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Equipment For Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Fine-mesh strainer (optional)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage and Reheating
This tomato basil soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, thin it with a little broth or water.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the soup's signature creaminess.
- Roasted Tomato Option: Roast the tomatoes with garlic and onions before blending for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
The Cozy Secret Behind Grandma’s Tomato Basil Soup
Tucked away in my grandmother’s handwritten cookbook, between smudged pages and splatters of old sauce, was a simple note: “Add the basil only when the tomatoes are ready to listen.” As a child, I never understood it—but standing by the stove years later, I finally did. The magic of this tomato basil soup lies not just in the ingredients, but in the timing, the patience, and the love stirred into every pot. It was her rainy day ritual, her quiet way of bringing warmth to the house. Now, every time I make this recipe, it feels like a hug from the past—rich, comforting, and full of flavor only time can teach. This isn’t just soup; it’s a spoonful of history.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in tomato basil soup?
Tomato basil soup recipe is made with tomatoes (fresh or canned), fresh basil, onions, garlic, broth, and cream. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar help balance the flavor. Toppings like croutons, Parmesan, or extra basil are often added.
How healthy is tomato basil soup?
Tomato basil soup recipe is generally healthy, offering antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber from the tomatoes and basil. It’s low in calories, especially without cream. Use coconut cream or skip the dairy for a lighter, vegan-friendly version.
What's the difference between tomato soup and tomato basil soup?
Tomato soup is typically a basic purée of tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Tomato basil soup adds fresh basil, giving it a more herbaceous flavor and aroma. The basil makes it richer and more complex in taste.
What is in Jason's Deli tomato basil soup?
Jason’s Deli tomato basil soup recipe includes vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, heavy cream, onions, and spices. It's smooth, creamy, slightly sweet, and vegetarian-friendly. A comforting favorite served warm with bread or crackers.
Tomato Basil Soup Recipe – A Timeless Classic with Everyday Elegance
This classic Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Whether you serve it with grilled cheese for a cozy dinner or as an elegant starter, this versatile soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Make extra – it tastes even better the next day!
Craving something heartier on the side? Pair this soup with our Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Recipe or wrap up the comfort with a Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe — both are perfect companions for this cozy bowl of goodness.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven For cooking the soup
- Immersion blender Or use a regular blender in batches
- Sharp knife and cutting board For chopping vegetables
- Fine-mesh strainer Optional, for smoother texture
- Wooden spoon or spatula For stirring
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large Onion Diced
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 pounds Tomatoes Fresh ripe,or use 2 cans (28 oz) whole peeled
- 4 cups Vegetable broth Or chicken broth for non-vegan version
- 1 cup Basil leaves Fresh,plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional,to balance acidity
- 1 cup Heavy cream Or coconut cream for vegan option
- Salt & Pepper To taste
- Croutons Optional garnish
- Olive oil extra virgin For drizzling
- Parmesan cheese Optional,omit for vegan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic; cook for 1–2 minutes without browning.
- Add chopped or crushed tomatoes to the pot.
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Add basil leaves and optional sugar. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before blending.
- Blend soup using immersion blender or in batches.
- Return to heat; stir in cream.
- Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes.
- Serve with croutons, basil, olive oil, or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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