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A bowl of rich red tomato basil soup garnished with fresh basil leaves

Proven way to grow your perfect Tomato Basil Soup

This classic tomato basil soup is incredibly easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for a cozy meal, it pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves packed, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream optional, for richness
For Serving (Optional)
  • croutons
  • fresh basil for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese grated
  • cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Immersion Blender (or regular blender)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the soup from the heat, then stir in the fresh basil, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
  6. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
  7. If using, stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot with your desired toppings.

Notes

For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use about 2 tablespoons of dried basil, but fresh is always recommended for the best flavor.