This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is your perfect comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, velvety, and bursts with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. Perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch with friends.
The foundation of this soup is the humble olive oil, which provides a smooth base for sautéing. The onion adds a touch of sweetness while the garlic brings a fragrant depth. Our star, the ripe tomatoes, offer a robust, juicy flavor that’s essential for this soup. The vegetable broth enhances the overall taste without overpowering. We use heavy cream for that luxurious, creamy texture, and the fresh basil leaves deliver a vibrant, herby note. Finally, a pinch of salt and black pepper ties everything together.
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty artisan bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination. It also works well as a starter for a dinner party, setting the stage for a delightful meal.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell like a cozy trattoria.
Next, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for just a minute until its fragrance blooms — it’s amazing how this little step can transform your dish.
Now, it’s time for the tomatoes. Stir them in and let them cook down for about 10 minutes. You want them to soften up and break down a bit, releasing their juices.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as all the flavors start to come together.
Once the tomatoes are nice and soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works just fine — just be careful with the hot liquid!
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Give it a good stir, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
And there you have it — serve it warm and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!