Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Delightfully Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A Cozy Family Favorite

These delightful bowls of creamy tomato basil soup are bursting with fresh flavors, packed with the wholesome goodness of garden veggies, and ready in just under 30 minutes! Perfect for those chilly evenings, this tried-and-true recipe is not only easy to prepare but also warms the heart and soul. Gather the family, and let’s make some delicious memories in the kitchen.

As a child, nothing felt cozier on a rainy day than curling up with a good book and a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. This simple recipe has been a cherished family favorite for years, reminding me of home and those delightful moments around the dinner table. Today, I want to share this comforting dish with you, so you can create those same heartwarming experiences in your own home.

Delightfully Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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A cozy and heartwarming creamy tomato basil soup bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for chilly evenings.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots, onions, and celery; sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or keep it chunky if preferred.
4. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat to prepare the roux. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
5. Combine a ladleful of soup into the roux to create a thick paste, then gradually add more soup, stirring until smooth. Mix this roux back into the soup pot.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.

Notes

Great paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or served in a bread bowl. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Why Choose Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

This comforting classic is not just about the taste; it’s a fulfilling meal packed with nutrients. Each bowl brings together a wonderful combination of fresh diced tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a creamy texture, making it a family-friendly, delicious choice. It’s an easy recipe that can be modified to suit any palate, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a warm, cozy meal.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. For a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender (or a regular blender, in batches if necessary) to puree the soup to your desired consistency. This step is optional if you prefer a chunkier soup.
4. In a separate pot, prepare the roux by melting the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly for about 10 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
5. Take a big ladleful of the soup and mix it into the roux to create a thick paste. Gradually add more soup to the roux, stirring well until smooth. Then, combine this roux mixture back into the soup pot.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Add more oregano and basil if desired, adjusting to your taste. Let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
7. Store any leftover tomato basil soup in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. For a fun twist, serve it in a homemade bread bowl!

How to Serve this Cozy Delight

Creamy tomato basil soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs fantastically with a crusty grilled cheese sandwich or served in a freshly baked bread bowl. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Proper Storage Tips

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to three months! Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Soup

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and veggies whenever possible for a burst of flavor.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to swap the half-and-half for lighter options, like milk, or make it richer with heavy cream.
3. Flavor Boost: Always taste and adjust your seasonings. Everyone’s palate is different, so adding a little more basil or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity can elevate your soup.

Possible Variations

• For Vegetarian Options: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, and feel free to load up on more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini!
• Add a Kick: If you love a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes while sautéing your veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, and blanch them to remove the skins.

2. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can use olive oil or plant-based butter, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and use coconut milk instead of half-and-half.

3. Is it possible to thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add more roux for added thickness.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this creamy tomato basil soup brings warmth and love in each spoonful. Here’s to hoping it fills your home with the same cozy vibes it has always brought me! Enjoy making your own batch of cherished memories!