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- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste These key ingredients make the base of our creamy tomato basil soup. The olive oil gives a rich flavor. Chopped onion and minced garlic create a savory aroma. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky taste to the mix. Vegetable broth ensures the soup stays hearty while being meat-free. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice) - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) - Croutons You can spice up your soup with red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick. If you like cheese, freshly grated Parmesan gives a savory finish. Croutons add crunch and texture, making each bite fun. This soup is vegetarian and can easily be gluten-free. Just check your broth label to ensure it meets your needs. You can also make it vegan by swapping heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of creamy tomato basil soup! 1. Sautéing onion and garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes. The onion should turn soft and become translucent. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute. The smell should be wonderful! Watch out not to burn the garlic. 2. Simmering tomatoes and broth Now, add 2 cans of diced tomatoes (14 ounces each) with their juices and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir it now and then. This will help the flavors come together. 1. Blending techniques for creamy texture After simmering, it's time to blend. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a countertop blender in batches. Blend until smooth and then pour it back into the pot. 2. Incorporating creamy elements and spices Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like some heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Heat the soup for about 5 minutes but avoid boiling after adding the cream. 1. Adjusting seasoning and serving suggestions Taste your soup! If it needs more flavor, adjust it with more salt, pepper, or sugar. This will help balance the acidity from the tomatoes. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup warm! To make your creamy tomato basil soup even better, focus on spices and herbs. I suggest adding a pinch of dried oregano or thyme for depth. These herbs work well with tomatoes and enhance the overall taste. Fresh basil is key, but you can also add a bit of parsley for freshness. Another trick is balancing the soup's acidity. The sugar helps tone down the sharpness of the tomatoes. Start with a teaspoon, then taste. If it still seems too tangy, add a little more sugar. This small step makes a big difference! When it comes to blending, you have two great options: an immersion blender or a countertop blender. An immersion blender is easy and quick. You can blend the soup right in the pot. This saves time and cuts down on dishes. If you use a countertop blender, be careful! Blend in small batches to avoid spills. Always let the soup cool a bit before blending. This keeps you safe and helps prevent splashes. Presentation can make your soup look even more appealing. Serve it in deep bowls for a cozy feel. Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top. This adds shine and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra basil leaves for color. For added texture, top the soup with croutons. They bring a nice crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup. If you're feeling fancy, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It not only looks great but also adds a savory kick! {{image_2}} If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. These options add creaminess without the dairy. You can also use almond milk for a lighter choice. Want to add more veggies? Toss in chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers. These veggies boost flavor and nutrition. For protein, add cooked lentils or shredded chicken. They make the soup heartier and more filling. You can change the taste of your soup by trying different herbs or spices. Basil gives the soup its classic flavor, but you can add thyme or oregano for a twist. For a kick, add cumin or smoked paprika. A dash of lemon juice can brighten the overall flavor. Using seasonal produce can make your soup unique. In spring, try adding fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, use ripe tomatoes from your garden or local market. They will enhance the soup's taste. In fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash or pumpkin for warmth. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or spinach. These seasonal changes keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh and exciting. To store leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into an airtight container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat only the portion you need. This keeps the rest safe and tasty. You can freeze creamy tomato basil soup for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal them tightly and label with the date. It’s best to use the soup within three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove. Stir well to make sure it’s smooth and creamy again. The creamy tomato basil soup stays fresh in the fridge for three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to three months. Always check for changes in color or smell before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it out. Enjoy your soup while it’s fresh for the best flavor! You can pair creamy tomato basil soup with many delicious sides. Here are some great options: - Grilled cheese sandwiches: The crispy bread and melted cheese balance the soup's creaminess. - Crusty bread: A slice of fresh bread is perfect for dipping. - Salad: A light salad with greens adds freshness and crunch. - Pasta: A small serving of pasta makes it a filling meal. These pairings create a complete meal and enhance the soup's rich flavors. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! Yes, you can make creamy tomato basil soup vegan! Here are some simple swaps: - Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture. - Use vegetable broth instead of any chicken broth. - Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative for garnish. These changes keep the soup flavorful while making it plant-based. You can enjoy the same rich taste without dairy! To adjust the spice level, follow these tips: - Start with no red pepper flakes if you prefer mild soup. - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Taste and add more if needed. - For extra spice, mix in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving. This way, you can customize the soup to suit your taste buds. Enjoy your perfectly spiced creamy tomato basil soup! This blog post covered all you need for creamy tomato basil soup. We discussed key ingredients, preparation methods, and tips for great flavor. You learned about dietary options, storage, and creative variations to try. To sum up, making this soup is simple and fun. Feel free to customize it based on your tastes and needs. Enjoy exploring this dish in your kitchen!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Indulge in this Savory Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss that elevates your meal with its rich flavors and creamy texture! This easy recipe combines fresh ingredients like garlic, basil, and fire-roasted tomatoes to create a comforting soup in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings, it's a crowd-pleaser! Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for serving it beautifully with garnishes. Enjoy a bowl of bliss today!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

        Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir occasionally.

          After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.

            Stir in the heavy cream, chopped basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the soup to heat through for about 5 minutes, but do not bring to a full boil after adding the cream.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

                Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep bowls, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and topped with a few basil leaves and croutons for added texture.