Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup: A Comforting Classic Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort and joy, especially when the weather turns chilly. This easy-to-make Homemade Tomato Basil Soup recipe is truly a year-round delight, but it becomes an absolute essential on those crisp fall or cold winter days. Imagine pairing it with a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich or a crusty baguette – it’s a match made in culinary heaven! Just this past Monday, we experienced the perfect occasion for it. Nebraska was facing unseasonably cold November temperatures, and this hearty soup hit the spot.
My Mondays are usually a whirlwind, helping out with the After School Art Club where both my kids participate. By the time we get home, everyone is ready for dinner! I often rely on my favorite Crock Pot Recipes for these busy evenings to ensure a meal is ready and waiting. However, this particular week, I wasn’t prepared with the ingredients for a slow cooker meal, and I found myself craving soup. With sub-zero temperatures outside, the thought of creamy tomato soup and a crispy grilled cheese sandwich was simply irresistible. While I adore this combination, my husband isn’t a fan of the canned tomato soup varieties, so making it from scratch ensures everyone enjoys their meal. This recipe guarantees a fresh, flavorful experience that even the skeptics will love.
The inspiration for this specific recipe came from a memorable lunch I shared with my youngest daughter at a wonderful spot in Omaha called Green Belly. They specialize in delicious soups, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. My daughter ordered their Tomato Basil Soup and couldn’t stop raving about it, which instantly put the idea in my head. Determined to recreate that delightful experience, I set out to find a recipe. I stumbled upon one online that was rumored to be a copycat of Applebee’s tomato soup. I can’t personally confirm the Applebee’s claim, as I haven’t had theirs before, but I can unequivocally say that this adapted recipe turned out absolutely wonderful. It was incredibly easy to prepare, and to my pleasant surprise, I already had all the necessary ingredients on hand. As an added bonus, it’s also a low-calorie option, making it an even more appealing choice for a comforting meal.
The Charm of Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes with crafting a meal from scratch, and this homemade tomato basil soup is no exception. Beyond the delicious taste, making soup at home allows you complete control over the ingredients. You can select the freshest basil, ensure high-quality tomatoes, and adjust the seasonings precisely to your liking. This level of customization is simply not possible with store-bought canned soups, which often contain excessive sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. By making your own, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating a wholesome, flavorful dish that nourishes both body and soul.
The aroma that fills your kitchen as this soup simmers is a delight in itself. The sweet scent of ripe tomatoes mingling with fresh basil and aromatic garlic is incredibly inviting, instantly transforming your home into a cozy haven. It’s this sensory experience, coupled with the straightforward preparation, that makes this recipe a true kitchen staple. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find this recipe to be forgiving, adaptable, and consistently delicious.
Why This Recipe Stands Out: Simplicity and Flavor
What truly sets this Tomato Basil Soup recipe apart is its incredible simplicity without compromising on rich, comforting flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen. The beauty lies in the quality of the core components: ripe, diced tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil. These two ingredients are the stars of the show, delivering a vibrant and fresh taste that elevates the entire dish.
The use of canned diced tomatoes makes this recipe accessible and convenient, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting tomato soup even when fresh seasonal tomatoes aren’t readily available. Coupled with chicken (or vegetable) broth, a touch of half & half for creaminess, and a blend of herbs, this soup achieves a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes. It’s a heartwarming dish that feels gourmet but requires very little effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches.
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Print Recipe
Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 4 – 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes undrained, preferably fire-roasted for extra flavor
- 48 ounces chicken broth or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 1/2 cups Half & Half for creamy texture
- 2/3 cup fresh basil leaves packed, chopped
- 1/3-2/3 cups granulated sugar start with a little and taste; add more if you prefer a sweeter soup, or less if you like it more savory
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, then sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices) and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup sit for about an hour to cool slightly before blending, allowing the flavors to deepen further.
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After the soup has cooled a bit, add the fresh basil, chopped parsley, and dried oregano to the pot. Using an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender), carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency – smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until smooth, then return it to the pot. Stir in the Half & Half until well combined and the soup becomes creamy. Finally, add the granulated sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Start with the lower amount of sugar and adjust based on the sweetness of your tomatoes and your personal preference. Reheat the soup gently over low heat until warm, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup
Achieving that perfect, velvety smooth tomato basil soup is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- **Tomato Choice:** While canned diced tomatoes are incredibly convenient and work wonderfully, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky depth and sweetness. If you’re making this during peak summer, fresh, ripe tomatoes (peeled and deseeded) can also be used, though this will increase prep time significantly.
- **Blending for Smoothness:** An immersion blender is your best friend for this recipe, allowing you to blend the soup directly in the pot. This saves on cleanup and makes the process much smoother. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup (in batches) to a standard blender, filling it only halfway to prevent spills, and blend until creamy. Always be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- **Adjusting Sweetness:** The amount of sugar is truly to taste. Tomatoes vary in acidity and sweetness. Start with the lower suggested amount (1/3 cup) and taste the soup after blending and adding the Half & Half. If you find it too tart or prefer a sweeter profile, add more sugar gradually until it’s just right.
- **Herb Freshness:** Fresh basil is non-negotiable for this recipe; its vibrant, aromatic flavor is key to “Tomato Basil Soup.” While dried oregano is acceptable, fresh parsley also adds a lovely freshness. Adding the fresh herbs towards the end, after simmering, helps preserve their delicate flavor and bright color.
- **Seasoning Wisely:** Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper throughout the cooking process. Tasting and adjusting as you go ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Remember that chicken broth also contains sodium, so factor that into your salt additions.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile Tomato Basil Soup is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary sides or customized to your liking:
- **The Classic Pair:** A grilled cheese sandwich is the quintessential partner for tomato soup. The rich, melted cheese and crispy bread provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup. Try a gourmet grilled cheese with different cheeses or additions for an elevated experience.
- **Bread Companions:** Crusty bread, a warm baguette, or even homemade croutons are excellent for dipping and soaking up every last drop of this delicious soup.
- **Fresh Toppings:** Garnish your soup with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- **Add a Kick:** For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added during the sautéing of onions and garlic, or stirred in at the end, can provide a wonderful subtle warmth.
- **Make it Heartier:** You can easily transform this soup into a more substantial meal by adding cooked pasta (like ditalini or small shells) during the last few minutes of simmering, or by stirring in cooked white beans or lentils for added protein and fiber.
- **Vegan/Vegetarian Adaptations:** For a completely vegan or vegetarian soup, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace Half & Half with full-fat coconut milk (for a richer, subtly tropical flavor) or a plant-based cream alternative.
- **Garnish Ideas:** Consider topping with a spoonful of pesto, a few drops of balsamic glaze, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
This homemade Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth and flavor to your table, whether you’re battling a cold front or simply craving a taste of home. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t hesitate to give it a try this week and discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Great Grilled Cheese Recipe to Pair With Your Soup:
Elevate your soup experience with a truly exceptional grilled cheese. This Apple BBQ Pork & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese is a fan favorite and pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato basil soup!
Apple BBQ Pork & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese
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Adapted recipe source