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For this creamy tomato basil soup, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) These ingredients form the base of your soup. The olive oil adds richness. The onion and garlic build a solid flavor foundation. Ripe tomatoes give a fresh taste that shines through. Vegetable broth adds depth, while sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. To enhance flavor and texture, consider these optional ingredients: - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Salt and pepper for seasoning - Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving The heavy cream makes the soup creamy and smooth. Coconut cream is perfect for those avoiding dairy. Fresh basil adds a vibrant note that brightens each bowl. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. If you want a cheesy touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. For the complete cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe. 1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. 3. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The garlic should smell great! 4. Now, stir in 4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes soften. 1. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and stir well. Bring the mix to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. 2. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you like it chunkier, blend only half of the soup. 3. Return the soup to low heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil. 4. Finally, add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. You can find the full recipe [here](#). To make your creamy tomato basil soup shine, choose the best tomatoes. Ripe, in-season tomatoes add a rich taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned tomatoes work well too. Look for whole peeled tomatoes packed in juice. These often have great flavor. Using fresh ingredients also matters. Fresh garlic and basil bring bright flavors. They make your soup taste garden-fresh and vibrant. Canned ingredients can be convenient, but they may lack the same depth of flavor as fresh ones. When blending your soup, you have two choices: an immersion blender or a regular blender. An immersion blender lets you blend right in the pot. This saves time and reduces cleanup. A regular blender can give you a very smooth soup, but you must transfer the hot soup carefully. Simmering the soup is key for flavor. Letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld. This step makes your soup taste rich and delicious. Aim for at least 15 minutes of simmering for the best results. Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish! {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this creamy tomato basil soup for different diets. For a dairy-free version, switch the heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and adds a hint of sweetness. If you want to go gluten-free, focus on your garnishes. Use fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This way, you can enjoy your soup without worry. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes. This simple twist brings heat and warmth to each bowl. Start with a pinch, then taste and adjust to your liking. You can also enhance the flavor with more herbs. Thyme or oregano pairs well with the tomato and basil base. Add them during cooking for a deeper taste. You can never have too many herbs in a soup! To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating soup is easy with these methods: - Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. - Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. To restore creaminess, add a splash of cream or milk while reheating. Stir well to mix. Enjoy your warm and creamy soup again! For the full recipe, refer back to the complete instructions provided. How can I make this soup vegan? To make this soup vegan, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the creamy texture while removing all dairy. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want a richer flavor. Can I substitute different herbs or spices? Yes, you can. If you prefer different flavors, try using oregano or thyme. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite taste. What sides pair well with creamy tomato basil soup? Crusty bread is a classic side. You can also serve it with a simple salad or grilled cheese. These choices balance well with the soup's rich flavor and add a nice texture. How long does homemade soup last in the fridge? Homemade soup typically lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. It's a good idea to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. What's the best way to thicken the soup if it's too thin? If your soup is too thin, try adding more cream or a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking. We explored how to make creamy tomato basil soup with fresh ingredients and easy steps. Using ripe tomatoes and herbs gives the soup rich flavor. I shared tips for enhancing taste and storage methods for leftovers. You can easily adjust the recipe for dietary needs too. Enjoy your cooking, and remember, a warm bowl of soup brings comfort and joy. You'll love the fresh taste in every spoonful. Try it today and share your results!

3. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Discover the delightful Creamy Tomato Basil Bliss recipe that will warm your soul! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a rich and creamy tomato soup bursting with fresh basil and flavors. Perfect for any meal, this comforting dish can be easily made dairy-free too! Don't miss out on serving tips and pairing suggestions. Click through to explore the complete recipe and bring this deliciousness to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

      Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and sugar, cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly broken down.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes.

          Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.

            Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes but do not let it boil.

              Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

                Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and a sprinkle of additional fresh basil.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warm bowls and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for an elegant finish. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.