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To make a great creamy tomato basil soup, you'll need a few key items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes in juice - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option These ingredients form the base of the soup. The olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic, adding depth to the flavor. Diced tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, while the vegetable broth adds a rich foundation. Cream gives the soup its creamy texture. You can enhance your soup with these extras: - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) - Croutons and fresh basil for garnishing Adding sugar balances the soup's bright acidity. Croutons provide a nice crunch, while fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and taste. These little touches make the soup even better. If you need to make some changes, here are a few ideas: - For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - You can choose different broth types, like chicken or beef broth, for a unique flavor. These swaps keep your soup tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to exciting new flavors. For the full recipe, check the section above. Start by sautéing the onion. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns soft and clear. This adds a lovely base flavor to the soup. Next, cook the garlic. After the onion is ready, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for another minute. This step fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Now, it's time to add the tomatoes and broth. Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, juice included, and 1 cup of vegetable broth. If you like, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Bring this mix to a simmer. Season and simmer next. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your taste. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to blend beautifully. For blending the soup, use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches. Return it to the pot when done. Incorporate cream and basil. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Heat it gently until warm. Then, add 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Mix it well. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Using fresh ingredients is key. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. Choose ripe tomatoes for depth. They add sweetness and acidity. You can also adjust seasoning to fit your taste. If it’s too sweet, add a pinch of salt. If it lacks flavor, a dash of balsamic vinegar helps. To achieve the perfect blend, use an immersion blender. It makes the soup creamy without lumps. If you want a lighter texture, skip the cream. Instead, use a splash of vegetable broth or blend in some cooked potatoes. This keeps the soup creamy but lighter. Serve this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Grilled cheese pairs nicely too. For a fun twist, top with croutons and fresh basil. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Try adding a dollop of pesto for extra taste. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Delight . {{image_2}} You can make creamy tomato basil soup even more fun by adding extra ingredients. Adding vegetables like carrots or celery can boost flavor and nutrition. Simply chop them up and add them when you sauté the onion. They will soften and mix well with the other ingredients. You can also add proteins to make the soup heartier. Chickpeas are a great option for a plant-based choice. If you prefer meat, diced chicken works well too. Just cook your protein before adding it to the soup, so it gets warm and flavorful. To change the flavor of your soup, try adding Italian spices. Oregano and thyme can give a nice twist. Just sprinkle a teaspoon or two into the pot before blending. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This can add a fun kick that makes each spoonful exciting. Making a vegan version of creamy tomato basil soup is easy. Simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps it rich and creamy, without the dairy. For gluten-free needs, check your vegetable broth. Some broths may contain gluten. Use a certified gluten-free broth to keep your soup safe. Adjust these swaps to your taste and enjoy your own unique version of creamy tomato basil soup. For the full recipe, check the details above! To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. Place the container in the fridge, where it can stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the container with the date. When you are ready to enjoy the soup again, there are a few good ways to reheat it. The best method is to heat it gently on the stove over low heat. This helps keep the flavors bright. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep it from overheating. In the fridge, your creamy tomato basil soup will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any change in color or smell, it's best to throw it out. Signs of spoilage include mold or a sour smell. Always trust your senses. If it seems off, don't risk it. For a safe and easy way to enjoy this creamy tomato basil delight, check out the Full Recipe. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and chop them first. Use about 3-4 cups of fresh tomatoes to replace the canned ones. Fresh tomatoes add a nice, bright taste to your soup. How do I thicken my tomato soup? You can thicken your soup by blending it longer. Another option is to add more cream. You can also add a cornstarch slurry made with equal parts water and cornstarch. Mix it in and let it cook for a few minutes. Is creamy tomato basil soup healthy? Yes, creamy tomato basil soup can be healthy. It includes tomatoes, which are rich in vitamins. The heavy cream adds fat, but you can use coconut cream for a lighter option. Balance it with fresh basil for added nutrients. What are the calories in a serving? A serving of creamy tomato basil soup has about 300 calories. This varies based on the cream you choose and added ingredients. If you use coconut cream, it may have fewer calories. What to serve with creamy tomato basil soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Try serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo. You can also add croutons on top for extra crunch. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove. The flavors often taste even better the next day. For a longer shelf life, freeze it for up to 3 months. You can find the Full Recipe for creamy tomato basil soup to get started on this delightful dish. In this blog post, we explored how to create the perfect creamy tomato basil soup. You learned about essential and optional ingredients, plus some easy substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions from preparation to blending. Tips on flavor enhancement and serving ideas can help you enjoy this dish even more. Remember, you can customize it to your taste and dietary needs. With proper storage, leftovers can remain delicious. Enjoy making your soup and share it with others!

- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Savor the goodness of homemade Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with this simple and flavorful recipe! Using just a handful of ingredients, you can create a warm, delicious dish that delights the senses. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is creamy, vibrant, and easy to customize. Discover step-by-step instructions and tips to elevate your cooking. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this comforting meal to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes in juice

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Croutons and fresh basil for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

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

      Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or transfer to a countertop blender in batches. Return to the pot.

            Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream and bring back to a gentle simmer.

              Add the chopped fresh basil and balsamic vinegar, stirring well to incorporate. Adjust seasoning if needed.

                Serve hot, garnished with croutons and fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6