Introduction
The Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is a classic dish loved for its rich, comforting flavors and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a warm meal on a cold day or a delicious starter for a dinner party, this soup is versatile and satisfying. Furthermore, the combination of tomatoes and basil creates a harmonious balance of acidity and sweetness, making it a favorite in kitchens around the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential ingredients, provide step-by-step preparation, and share tips for perfecting this delicious dish.
How to Make the Best Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow Onion (chopped) | 1 large onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 tablespoon (about 3 cloves) |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 2 cans (28 oz each) |
| Chicken Stock | 4 cups (preferably homemade) |
| Fresh Basil (chopped) | 1/4 cup (plus more for serving) |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Whipping Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup (grated) |
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
The key to an excellent Tomato Basil Soup Recipe lies in its ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components will elevate the flavor of your soup. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:
1. Butter
- Purpose: Use unsalted butter to sauté the onions, providing a rich base for the soup.
- Quantity: 2 tablespoons.
2. Yellow Onion
- Purpose: Onions add a balanced sweetness that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Quantity: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped.
3. Garlic
- Purpose: Garlic infuses the soup with a subtle depth of flavor.
- Quantity: 1 tablespoon minced (about 3 cloves).
4. Crushed Tomatoes
- Purpose: The star of the dish, providing the robust tomato flavor.
- Quantity: 2 cans (28 oz each) of crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes.
5. Chicken Stock
- Purpose: Adds a savory depth, making the soup more flavorful.
- Quantity: 4 cups, preferably homemade chicken broth.
6. Basil
- Purpose: Basil adds a fresh, aromatic element to the soup.
- Quantity: 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving.
7. Sugar
- Purpose: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Quantity: 1 tablespoon.
8. Black Pepper
- Purpose: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
- Quantity: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
9. Whipping Cream
- Purpose: Adds creaminess and offsets the acidity.
- Quantity: 1/2 cup.
10. Parmesan Cheese
- Purpose: Adds saltiness and balances the acidity.
- Quantity: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: For an extra burst of heat, stir in a sprinkle of crushed red chili flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to bring out a bold, spicy flavor in your tomato soup
- Vegan Tomato Soup: Replace butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Add more fresh basil and top with a swirl of pesto for extra basil flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Tomato Basil Soup
Creating the perfect Tomato Basil Soup involves a few simple steps that ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until fully melted. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Afterward, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Chicken Stock
Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot, pouring them in carefully. Stir well to combine the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for around 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to develop fully.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
To achieve a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Remember to take extra caution while blending hot liquids.
Step 4: Add Basil, Sugar, and Seasonings
Once blended, stir in the chopped basil, sugar, and black pepper. Be sure to taste the soup at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Parmesan
Gently stir in the whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, which will give the cheese time to melt and the cream to fully integrate into the soup.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve the soup hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
1. Use High-Quality Tomatoes
Opt for San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity, to achieve the best flavor. This Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of Parmesan to create a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect as a starter or a cozy meal, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers amazing taste in every spoonful. Learn more about the benefits of fresh tomatoes from Mayo Clinic.
2. Don’t Skip the Sugar
Warm the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it melts completely. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
3. Fresh Basil Is Key
Fresh basil provides a vibrant flavor that dried basil cannot match. Always add it towards the end to maintain its aromatic qualities.
4. Experiment with Creaminess
If you prefer a richer soup, increase the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
5. Pairing Suggestions
Tomato Basil Soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Expert Insights: The Science Behind Balancing Acidity in Tomato Soup
According to culinary experts, balancing the acidity in tomato-based dishes is extremely crucial to achieving a well-rounded flavor. For example, the acidity of tomatoes can be neutralized by adding dairy products like cream and Parmesan. Not only do these ingredients mellow the sharpness, but they also add a luxurious texture to the soup. Furthermore, the addition of sugar plays a vital role by subtly sweetening the dish without making it overtly sweet.
If you’re looking for a complementary dessert, you could try this Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake for a light and creamy finish. Additionally, for a heartier option, you can serve the soup alongside a crispy chicken cutlet, which offers a deliciously crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
Alternatively, if you’re planning a full meal, you might want to consider making a dessert like this Easy Mochi Cake to add a fun and unique twist to your menu. Finally, for those craving a more substantial dish, pairing your soup with something filling, such as the Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole, could be the perfect choice.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to substitute dried basil for fresh basil in recipes?
While dried basil can be used, fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor and is recommended for this recipe.
2. How can I make this soup vegan?
To make the soup vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and replace the cream with coconut milk. Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Tomato Basil Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
4. Can I freeze Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let the soup cool fully before placing it into a freezer-safe container for storage.. You can freeze it for up to three months Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. What can I serve with Tomato Basil Soup?
Tomato Basil Soup is perfect alongside grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For a more filling option, try stirring in some cooked pasta or rice.
Print
The Ultimate Guide to Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Description
homemade Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy, comforting classic that combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of Parmesan to create a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect as a starter or a cozy meal, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers amazing taste in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy texture)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Warm the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it melts completely. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. -
Add Tomatoes and Stock
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot, including their juices. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, and stir to combine. -
Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to balance the taste. -
Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a blender in batches. -
Stir in Basil and Cream
Stir in the fresh basil and, if you want a creamier texture, the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all the flavors. -
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and extra fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use olive oil instead of butter, replace the cream with coconut milk, and use vegetable stock.
- To adjust the thickness of the soup, you can add more stock or let it reduce for a thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: Tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, homemade tomato basil soup, easy tomato soup recipe