Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A Classic Comfort Dish

This creamy tomato basil soup is a timeless comfort dish that’s rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich or enjoying on its own for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 cups (500 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth
   • Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices. Break them up slightly using a spoon.
   • Add vegetable broth, oregano, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Simmer the Soup
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Blend Until Smooth
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
5. Add Cream and Basil
   • Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and chopped basil.
   • Cook for another 5 minutes over low heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Tips

• For extra richness, add a knob of butter just before serving.
• To make it vegan, use coconut cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.
• This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and store leftovers for later.

Warm and creamy, this tomato basil soup will become a staple in your comfort food repertoire!