Warm up your days with this cozy creamy tomato basil soup that’s perfect for any occasion. This deliciously smooth recipe combines fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of cream for a delightful flavor. It's easy to make in just 35 minutes and serves four, making it an ideal dish for family or friends.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, preferably with herbs or garlic
1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free version)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Homemade or store-bought croutons, for garnish
Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
![- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, preferably with herbs or garlic - 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended) - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free version) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Croutons for garnish - Extra basil leaves for presentation - Dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream In this recipe, I focus on simple yet fresh ingredients. Olive oil, onion, and garlic form a tasty base. The diced tomatoes and vegetable broth bring depth and richness. I add sugar and oregano for a hint of sweetness and herbal notes. Cream, whether dairy or coconut, adds a lovely smoothness. Fresh basil at the end brightens every bite. For garnishes, croutons add a fun crunch. A few extra basil leaves make the soup look even better. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream. This soup is not just tasty; it feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to bring this dish to life! Start by chopping your onion and garlic. I like to use a sharp knife for quick cuts. Aim for small pieces, so they cook evenly. Next, measure out your canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Using two cans of diced tomatoes gives a rich base. Make sure you have the broth ready for adding later. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want it to be soft and a bit clear. Then, toss in the minced garlic for one more minute. It should smell great! Carefully pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Add the broth next. Stir everything well to combine. Now it’s time to let those flavors blend. Add sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This step is key for deepening the flavors. After simmering, turn off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, use a standard blender in batches. Just be careful while transferring the hot soup. Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Warm it gently for about five minutes. Do not let it boil again! Finally, fold in the fresh basil. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with croutons and extra basil on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup! For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Using fresh herbs adds a bright taste to your soup. Fresh basil gives a sweet and peppery kick. You can also mix in thyme or oregano for added depth. Adjusting seasoning is key to your enjoyment. Taste as you go, and add sea salt or pepper to make it just right. Blending your soup is vital for a smooth finish. An immersion blender works best, but a standard blender can do the job too. Just be careful when transferring hot soup. To thicken, add more cream or let it simmer longer. If it's too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. Pair your creamy tomato basil soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of grilled cheese makes it feel extra special. For a nice presentation, serve in a wide bowl. Top with croutons and extra basil for color. This simple touch makes it look gourmet! {{image_4}} If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream gives your soup a rich and creamy texture. It also adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with tomatoes. You can also try nut-based products like cashew cream. Soak cashews in water, blend them, and stir into your soup for creaminess. Both options keep the soup tasty and smooth. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes to your soup. Just a pinch gives a nice heat that brightens the flavor. You can also roast garlic or bell peppers before adding them to the pot. Roasting brings out the sweetness in these ingredients. This adds depth and complexity to your creamy tomato basil soup. This soup is not just for bowls! You can transform it into a pasta sauce. Just cook your favorite pasta, then mix the soup in. It creates a cozy, comforting dish. Another fun idea is to make a cheesy tomato basil dip. Add cream cheese or mozzarella to the soup, warm it up, and serve it with bread. This gives you a fun twist on the classic recipe. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always reheat only what you need to keep the rest safe. You can freeze creamy tomato basil soup for longer storage. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often, and don’t let it boil, to keep that creamy texture. If you have leftover soup, get creative! Use it as a base for pasta dishes or add it to rice. You can also pour it over baked chicken for a tasty meal. Another idea is to blend it with some extra veggies for a new soup. This way, you reduce waste and enjoy new flavors! You can enjoy creamy tomato basil soup with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo - Freshly baked bread to soak up the soup - A crisp green salad for a light touch - Crunchy croutons for added texture - Garlic bread for a rich, buttery flavor These pairings enhance the soup's flavors and make your meal even more satisfying. Making this soup vegetarian or vegan is easy. Here are some simple swaps: - Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream - Ensure all canned tomatoes and spices are vegan-friendly These changes keep the soup delicious while meeting your dietary needs. Yes, you can make creamy tomato basil soup ahead of time. Here are some best practices: - Prepare the soup and let it cool completely. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy this cozy soup anytime! This blog post shared a simple and delicious creamy tomato basil soup recipe. You learned about main ingredients and helpful tips for flavor and texture. We explored variations, like dairy-free options, and how to store leftovers effectively. You now have ideas for serving and pairing the soup, too. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. Use this recipe as a guide, and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ff2fca1e-4b96-42db-8168-39591612f0a5-250x250.webp)