Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Printable Version)

Silky blend of tomatoes, basil, and cream. Comforting, easy, and full of Italian flavor in every spoonful.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes or equivalent fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped

→ Liquids

05 - 2 cups vegetable broth

→ Dairy

06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Fresh Herbs & Seasoning

07 - 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
08 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

11 - Drizzle of olive oil
12 - Extra basil leaves

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Incorporate the chopped tomatoes with juices and vegetable broth along with sugar, if using. Bring mixture to a simmer.
04 - Cover and allow to simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add chopped basil. Use an immersion blender to puree directly in the pot until velvety, or transfer mixture to blender in batches.
06 - Return pureed soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, avoiding boiling.
07 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as preferred.
08 - Ladle into serving bowls, garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and extra basil leaves. Present hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry and fridge ingredients plus fresh basil for a bright finish
  • Ready in about forty minutes start to finish and mostly hands-off simmering
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free with easy swaps for a vegan version
  • Freezes and reheats beautifully for meal prep and busy weeknights
02 -
  • Creamy tomato basil soup is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for vegan diets
  • High in vitamin C and antioxidants from tomatoes and basil
  • Stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days and is perfect for freezing in single portions
03 -
  • To coax out maximum flavor from canned tomatoes crush them gently in your hands before adding that extra bit of roughness opens all the flavor
  • Start with less salt then taste and adjust after blending since reduction during simmering can intensify flavors
  • For a subtle but unforgettable twist stir in a spoonful of pesto right before serving

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