This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup offers a rich and comforting blend of tomatoes, Italian herbs, and fresh basil, enhanced with a touch of cream for smoothness. It’s a quick and easy recipe, ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or fresh baked bread for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons roasted garlic paste
30 oz whole canned tomatoes
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¾ cup heavy cream, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Cook Soup: Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, chicken stock, and Italian seasoning to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low-medium heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Purée Soup: Remove from heat. Use a handheld immersion blender to blend the soup in the saucepan until smooth, taking care as the soup will be very hot.
Add Cream: Fold in ½ cup of cream and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve: Ladle soup into serving bowls, then drizzle remaining ¼ cup of cream on top of each bowl and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 176 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 683mg
Potassium: 370mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 866IU
Vitamin C: 18mg
Calcium: 97mg
Iron: 2mg

The Origins of Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century. The combination of tomatoes and cream dates back centuries, but the creation of tomato soup as we know it today is largely attributed to the invention of canned tomato soup by the Campbell Soup Company in 1897. Since then, it has become a staple in American cuisine, often associated with childhood memories, comfort food, and even pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich.

While tomato soup itself is incredibly popular, adding fresh basil to the mix gives the dish a flavorful and aromatic twist. Basil is an herb native to Southeast Asia and Africa but has become a central ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italian cooking. Its sweet, peppery taste complements the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly, adding a fresh burst of flavor.

The Appeal of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

What makes creamy tomato basil soup truly special is the way it blends the simple ingredients of tomatoes, herbs, and cream into something greater than the sum of its parts. The cream enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and smoothens the overall texture, making each spoonful a luxurious experience. The fresh basil not only provides an herbaceous note that brightens the dish but also elevates the soup to new heights, giving it an authentic, homemade touch.

The appeal of this soup lies in its versatility. It can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even as a dinner. Its rich flavor profile pairs beautifully with other dishes, such as a warm grilled cheese sandwich, a side salad, or crusty bread. Additionally, it’s easy to make vegetarian or vegan-friendly by swapping the heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream.

Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Soup

While comfort food often carries a reputation for being indulgent, tomato basil soup is surprisingly nutritious. Tomatoes, the base of this soup, are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They are also an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and eye problems.

Basil, the herb that adds a burst of flavor, also boasts a variety of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Basil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support the immune system and help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis. It is also believed to have antimicrobial properties, which can help protect the body from harmful bacteria.

The addition of cream gives the soup a decadent richness, but it also provides some healthy fats. Choosing to use a lighter cream or a plant-based alternative can help lower the calorie content of the dish while still maintaining its rich flavor.

How to Customize Your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

One of the best aspects of tomato basil soup is its adaptability. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or to give it your personal touch. Here are some ways to make this soup your own:

Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper can give the soup a spicy kick. You could also experiment with adding a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the base of the soup.
Add Vegetables: If you want to increase the nutritional value of your soup, try adding other vegetables to the mix. Carrots, celery, or bell peppers can be sautéed alongside the onions and garlic to add more depth to the flavor profile.
Cheese Lovers’ Twist: For an even richer soup, consider stirring in some shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or mozzarella, into the hot soup. The cheese will melt into the soup, giving it an even creamier texture and a lovely, savory flavor.
Vegan Version: If you’re following a vegan diet, you can easily swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, cashew cream, or another dairy-free alternative. Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to make the soup fully plant-based.
Roasted Tomatoes: For a more complex flavor, you can roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, which deepens their flavor and adds a slightly smoky undertone to the dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some great pairing options:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing of tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich is a reason why so many people associate this soup with comfort food. The crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese provide the perfect contrast to the creamy soup.
Crusty Bread: A fresh loaf of crusty bread is always a great option for dipping into the soup. A baguette or sourdough works particularly well for sopping up the creamy goodness.
Salads: Pair the soup with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad works well alongside the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add more substance to your meal, serve the soup with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower complement the flavors of the soup while adding a healthy and hearty element to the dish.

The Versatility of Tomato Basil Soup for All Seasons

While tomato basil soup is often associated with the cooler months, its flavor and versatility make it suitable for any time of year. During the summer, when fresh tomatoes are at their peak, this soup can be made with juicy, vine-ripened tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. In the colder months, when fresh tomatoes are less abundant, canned tomatoes provide a convenient and consistent option that still delivers a rich, flavorful soup.

In addition to being a great stand-alone meal, creamy tomato basil soup can also be served as part of a larger spread, such as a light lunch with sandwiches or as a starter for a more formal dinner. Its warm, comforting nature makes it the perfect dish for family gatherings, holidays, or casual get-togethers with friends.

Conclusion

Creamy tomato basil soup is a delightful, wholesome dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its rich, velvety texture and the harmonious blend of tomato and basil create a perfect balance of flavors that are both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish that can be served at a dinner party, this soup is sure to please. Its versatility allows for a variety of customization options to suit your taste preferences, making it a dish you can enjoy again and again.

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