Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Introduction: A Recipe That Brings Us Together

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. This delightful soup has a way of bringing friends and family together, filling our hearts and homes with warmth. As you cook, the familiar scents of sweet tomatoes and fresh basil will awaken your senses and transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. Let’s dive into this creamy comfort, together!

Why You’ll Love Making This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not just about feeding your body; it’s about nurturing your spirit. This soup is rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. The balance of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly day or when you need some extra love.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

1. Sauté the Veggies: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for a few minutes, letting their natural sweetness shine.
2. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for several minutes until the veggies are tender and aromatic.
3. Blend the Soup: For a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. This step is optional if you enjoy a chunkier soup!
4. Make the Roux: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes, until it becomes a lovely golden brown color.
5. Combine the Roux and Soup: Add a big ladle full of your soup to the roux, creating a thick paste. Continue adding soup until smooth, then stir this magic mixture back into your soup pot.
6. Finish it Up: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a little more oregano or basil! Cook for a few more minutes until it’s warmed through.
7. Store Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

And for a touch of fun, serve it up in a yummy homemade bread bowl!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and Make It Shine

Serve your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup in warm bowls. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for added flair. Pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a heartwarming meal that always hits the spot. A drizzle of olive oil on top before serving adds an elegant touch.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for Later

To keep your soup fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Clara’s Tips for Success

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies ahead of time to make the cooking process quick and easy.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your soup at different stages. Adjusting seasonings to your preference is part of the fun!
• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. When available, use fresh basil for that vibrant aroma.

Simple Variations to Try

• Add a Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
• Creamier Option: For a creamier soup, use heavy cream instead of half and half.
• Flavor Boost: Consider adding roasted garlic for an even richer flavor profile.

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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A warm and comforting soup made with sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy elements that bring friends and family together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Vegetables

• 2 carrots 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 ribs 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)

Sauce

• 1 Tablespoon 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cans 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes, with the juice
• 2 Tablespoons 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Creamy Base

• 0.5 cups ½ cup butter
• 0.5 cups ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)

Garnish

• 0.25 cups 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for a few minutes, letting their natural sweetness shine.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, cooking for several minutes until the veggies are tender and aromatic.
3. For a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, if desired.
4. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes, until it becomes a lovely golden brown color.
5. Add a ladle full of your soup to the roux, creating a thick paste. Continue adding soup until smooth, then stir this mixture back into your soup pot.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Cook for a few more minutes until it’s warmed through.

Storage

1. Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
2. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Notes

For serving, consider garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese. Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a heartwarming meal.

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FAQs About Creamy Tomato Basil Soup