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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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A cozy, comforting soup featuring fresh tomatoes simmered with fragrant basil and a touch of cream, perfect for chilly evenings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (can swap with coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: grated Parmesan cheese or vegan cheese alternative, fresh basil sprigs, croutons or toasted baguette slices

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices. If using whole peeled tomatoes, crush them gently before adding.
  4. Stir in 2 cups of broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to deepen the tomato flavor and thicken the soup slightly.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  6. Return the soup to low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for about 5 minutes without boiling.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with optional garnishes such as grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or crusty bread.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic to avoid bitterness. Simmer tomatoes uncovered to concentrate flavor. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve brightness. Stir cream in gently over low heat to prevent curdling. Adjust thickness by adding broth or cream as needed. For vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato basil soup, tomato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup, basil soup, creamy soup

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/creamy-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-cozy-comfort/