Tomato Basil Soup

Warm, smooth, and gently comforting, this soup is one of those recipes people return to again and again. Tomato basil soup is loved because it feels familiar, soothing, and simple without being boring. It works just as well for busy evenings as it does for slow family meals or cold nights when you want something warm and dependable. The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are relaxed, and the result always feels homemade. I usually start this recipe when I want dinner to quietly take care of itself while the kitchen fills with a soft, herby aroma. It’s the kind of meal that settles everyone at the table without effort.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe keeps things simple while still delivering deep, comforting flavor. The tomatoes bring gentle sweetness, the basil adds freshness, and everything blends into a smooth, cozy bowl that feels satisfying without being heavy. It’s weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious, and easy to double if you’re cooking for more people. Leftovers store beautifully, making it freezer-friendly and great for planning ahead. You can serve it on its own or pair it with whatever you already have at home. This tomato basil soup fits naturally into everyday cooking, whether you’re feeding family, cooking for yourself, or saving a comforting meal for later.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use ripe canned tomatoes for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Canned crushed tomatoes – 2 cans (14 oz each)
  • Vegetable broth – 2 cups
  • Fresh basil leaves – 1 cup, loosely packed
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Sugar – ½ teaspoon
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and stir until soft and slightly golden. The onion should smell sweet, not sharp, and look glossy as it cooks down gently.

See also  Lasagna Soup

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add garlic and stir briefly until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. The mixture will look loose and bright red. Let it simmer gently, filling the kitchen with a warm, tomato-rich aroma.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir in fresh basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. The basil will wilt quickly and turn darker green. Use a blender or immersion blender until the soup looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Return the soup to low heat and let it simmer lightly. The surface should barely ripple. Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove once the flavor feels balanced and comforting.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe doesn’t demand constant attention, which makes it ideal for packed days. You can prep everything quickly, let it simmer while you handle other tasks, and reheat it easily later. It also freezes well, so future meals feel already handled. It’s calm, forgiving cooking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t rush the onions: Letting them soften slowly builds natural sweetness. Cooking them too fast can leave a sharp flavor that carries through the soup.
  • Blend carefully: Always blend in batches or use low speed. Hot soup can splash easily, and slow blending gives a smoother texture.
  • Taste before serving: Tomatoes vary in acidity. A small pinch of sugar or extra salt can gently balance flavors without making it sweet.
  • Fresh basil timing: Add basil just before blending. Cooking it too long can dull the color and reduce its fresh aroma.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey before blending. It makes the soup more filling while keeping the flavor gentle. This works well for lunches that need extra staying power.

See also  Potato Soup

Vegetarian Option
Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending. It softens the tomato flavor and adds richness while keeping the soup simple and comforting.

Ingredient Swap
Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes instead of regular crushed tomatoes. They add a subtle depth and slightly smoky note without changing the cooking method.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a pinch of dried thyme or oregano during simmering. These herbs layer in warmth and make the soup feel deeper without overpowering the basil.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Grilled Sandwiches
    Serve alongside simple grilled sandwiches for a classic, cozy pairing. The smooth soup balances crisp bread beautifully and turns a small meal into something comforting.
  • Family Dinner Bowls
    Serve in wide bowls with extra basil on top. Add warm bread on the side for dipping and sharing at the table.
  • Light Evening Meal
    Pair with a small salad or roasted vegetables. It keeps dinner light but still warm and satisfying on cooler evenings.
  • Casual Hosting Idea
    Serve in mugs or small bowls for relaxed gatherings. It feels welcoming and easy without needing formal presentation.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor often deepens overnight, making leftovers especially comforting.
  • Reheating
    Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling, as it can dull the fresh basil flavor and change the texture.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating slowly.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Make the soup fully, cool it, and store until needed. Reheat just before serving for stress-free meals later in the week.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not required
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
See also  Cheeseburger Soup

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains roughly 180–220 calories, with about 4–6 grams of protein. It also provides vitamin C from tomatoes and small amounts of iron. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, it stores and reheats well.

Cooking onions too fast.

Dried basil works in small amounts.

Add a splash of broth to loosen it.

Keep sealed in the fridge.

Conclusion

This soup is meant to feel easy and familiar, not complicated or demanding. You can adjust the texture, play with herbs, or keep it simple, and it still feels comforting every time. Tomato basil soup fits naturally into everyday routines because it’s reliable, flexible, and always welcoming. Whether you cook it fresh or pull it from the freezer, it brings warmth without fuss. Save it for later, make it your own, and enjoy how something so simple can quietly become a favorite.

Tomato Basil Soup Save
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Tomato Basil Soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A smooth, comforting soup made with tomatoes, basil, and simple pantry ingredients. Easy to cook, warm to serve, and perfect for everyday meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes (14 oz each)

  • 2 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  • Add onion and cook until soft.
  • Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
  • Add tomatoes and broth. Simmer gently.
  • Add basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Return to low heat and warm gently.
  • Serve hot and enjoy.

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