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