- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

$To make creamy tomato basil soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a vegan option) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (with extra leaves for garnish) - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for added flavor) You can easily swap some ingredients if you want. Here are some ideas: - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan version. - Swap fresh basil with dried basil if fresh isn't available. Use less, about 1 tablespoon. - If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. - You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. To make this soup, you’ll need a few basic tools: - A large pot for cooking - A wooden spoon for stirring - An immersion blender for smooth soup - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy - A knife and cutting board for chopping - Bowls for serving These tools help you create a delicious bowl of creamy tomato basil soup with ease. The Full Recipe will guide you step-by-step through this process. This creamy tomato basil soup is easy to make. You will need simple ingredients. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This recipe serves four people. 1. Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and clear, about five minutes. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. 4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. 5. Add the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well. 6. Turn up the heat until the mixture gently boils. 7. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. 8. Stir the soup now and then to stop it from sticking. 9. After simmering, take the pot off the heat. To make the soup smooth, use an immersion blender. Blend until it looks creamy. If you do not have one, pour the soup in batches into a regular blender. Be sure to vent the lid to let steam out. Return the blended soup to the pot. Then, warm it on low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. If you want a hint of sweetness, add balsamic vinegar. Now, your soup is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make your creamy tomato basil soup shine, focus on a few key techniques: - Use fresh herbs. Fresh basil offers a bright taste that dried can't match. - Add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This gives the soup a sweet depth. - Roast your tomatoes. If you use fresh, roasting them first brings out their natural sugars. Avoid these common pitfalls: - Don't skip the onion and garlic. They build a strong flavor base. - Be careful with salt. Start small and taste as you go. - Don't rush the simmering step. This melds the flavors together. Pair your soup with these delicious options: - Crusty bread adds a nice crunch. - A classic grilled cheese sandwich complements the flavors perfectly. - A simple green salad can balance the richness of the soup. These tips will elevate your creamy tomato basil soup to new heights! For the full recipe, check it out [here](#). {{image_4}} You can easily make this creamy soup vegan. Just swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This gives a nice, rich taste. You can also use plant-based milk for a lighter option. Almond or oat milk works well too. If you want to add creaminess, blend in some soaked cashews. It’s a great way to keep the soup smooth and rich without dairy. If you love heat, add some spice! Red pepper flakes are a quick choice. Just sprinkle a pinch while cooking. You can also use fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. Chop them finely and sauté with the onion. For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. This will give your soup a nice kick. Change up your soup with seasonal ingredients! In summer, add fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. They’ll add a burst of flavor. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash for sweetness. You can also toss in some fresh spinach or kale for added greens. These adjustments keep your soup exciting and fresh all year round. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. After enjoying your creamy tomato basil soup, you want to store leftovers correctly. Allow the soup to cool slightly before you transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand a little when it freezes. Seal the container tightly. This method helps keep the soup fresh and tasty. You can freeze creamy tomato basil soup for up to three months. To do this, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label the bags with the date. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easy stacking. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, reheat the soup gently. You can do this on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth to get the right texture. If you want to use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup warm and fresh! For complete guidance on making this soup, check out the Full Recipe! You can use coconut cream for a vegan choice. It gives a nice texture and flavor. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. Both will change the creaminess but keep the soup tasty. This soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. For the best flavor, add fresh basil just before serving. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. This blog post gave you all the tools to make a great soup. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared variations for different tastes and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, great soup comes from using fresh ingredients and avoiding common mistakes. With these insights, you can cook confidently. Embrace your creativity and enjoy every bowl. Happy cooking!$

- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up with this delicious and simple creamy tomato basil soup! Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor. Whether you're a cooking pro or just starting out, follow along for step-by-step guidance and tips on ingredient swaps and pairings. Create a bowl of happiness your entire family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and start your tasty adventure!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a vegan option)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (with extra leaves for garnish)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for added flavor)

Instructions

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, taking about 5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, sugar, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency. Alternatively, transfer the hot soup in batches to a traditional blender, ensuring to vent the lid to prevent pressure buildup.

Return the blended soup to the pot and place it back over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil, warming the mixture gently just until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

If you desire an extra layer of flavor, mix in the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, which adds a delightful sweetness and depth to the soup.

Once the soup is hot, remove it from the stove. Ladle the luscious soup into bowls while it's still steaming.

- Presentation Tips: To elevate the presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of each bowl and sprinkle with additional fresh basil leaves. Consider serving with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect accompaniment to this comforting soup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4