Quick Tomato Basil Soup

Quick Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a deliciously rich and velvety texture that warms you up from the inside out.

Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something satisfying and nourishing, this soup can be made in no time.

With its perfect balance of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, this quick version will have you enjoying a homemade classic in under 30 minutes.

Whether you serve it as a starter, a light meal, or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches (optional, for serving)

How to Make Quick Tomato Basil Soup:

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Broth:

Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes) along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well to combine, making sure the tomatoes are fully mixed with the broth.

Season the Soup:

Add the dried oregano, dried basil (or fresh basil if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired). Stir again to combine all the ingredients. The sugar is optional but can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender.

Finish the Soup:

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm the soup through and create a creamy texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or basil as needed.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.

Chef’s Note:

For a smoother soup: If you prefer a silky, smooth texture, you can blend the soup in a blender until it’s completely puréed. If you like a little texture, feel free to leave it as is or blend only part of the soup.

Use fresh basil: If possible, use fresh basil for the best flavor. It really enhances the aroma and taste of the soup. You can add fresh basil towards the end of cooking for a more pronounced flavor, or use it as a garnish.

Extra creamy option: For an even creamier soup, you can add a little extra heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to thicken and enrich the soup’s texture.

Vegetarian option: This soup is already vegetarian when made with vegetable broth, but you can also make it vegan by using a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut milk or cashew cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Calories: 200

Protein: 3g

Carbohydrates: 18g

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 7g

Sodium: 600mg

This Quick Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. It’s rich in vitamins from the tomatoes and basil, while the addition of cream gives it a luxurious texture without being too heavy. It’s an ideal meal to make when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying.

With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this tomato soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Pair it with a slice of warm bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich to make it a complete meal that everyone will love!