This recipe for tomato soup is practically as quick to make as canned, but infinitely better tasting. The flavor of the fresh tomatoes and basil really shine through and the splash of cream added at the end of cooking lends just the right amount of richness. Serve as a first course, or alongside a sandwich (we like grilled cheese) for a light dinner.
Tomato-Basil Soup
An easy recipe for deliciously flavorful tomato soup made with a combination of plum tomatoes, tomato juice and a generous quantity of fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch crushed red pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking, stirring continually, until fragrant and barely golden, 2 minutes additional.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low, add the basil, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cream and purée the soup using a hand-held or conventional blender. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped basil if desired.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Lisa Hussar says
Excellent! Made with fresh tomatoes and eliminated the cream. It was a perfect fall warm up with a cheese quesadilla for dipping…mmmm!
Lynne Webb says
Hi Lisa,
I like the cheese quesadilla for dipping! Simple and a nice switch from grilled cheese.
Jennie says
I used all standard products for this soup and was very pleased with the flavor. Don’t forget to add the fresh basil. It make a big difference.
J kraft says
Overall not bad for a lower sodium soup. Used canned tomatoes that didn’t have added sodium. Acidic tasting but didn’t want to add sugar. Served with grilled cheese it was good.
J kraft says
Overall not bad for a lower sodium soup. Used canned tomatoes that didn’t have added sodium. Acidic tasting but didn’t want to add sugar. Served with grilled cheese it was good.