The Ultimate Homemade Tomato Basil Soup: A Comforting Classic
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to warm you from the inside out, and this easy Tomato Basil Soup recipe is no exception. While delightful year-round, it truly shines on those crisp fall afternoons or bone-chilling winter evenings, especially when paired with a perfectly gooey grilled cheese sandwich or a warm, crusty baguette. Forget the canned varieties; once you taste the fresh, vibrant flavors of this scratch-made soup, there’s no turning back.
Recently, a particularly cold November day, even for Nebraska, prompted a craving for this comforting classic. After a busy afternoon helping with After School Art Club – a weekly tradition both my children participate in – I knew a hearty, satisfying dinner was in order. While Mondays often call for one of my favorite Crock Pot Recipes for a hassle-free meal, this week was different. The sub-zero temperatures outside demanded something specific: tomato soup and grilled cheese. My husband, a connoisseur of homemade flavors, isn’t a fan of the canned version, making a delicious, fresh batch all the more appealing.
Inspired Flavors: From Local Eatery to Your Kitchen
The inspiration for this particular recipe stemmed from a delightful lunch my youngest daughter and I enjoyed at a charming Omaha eatery called Green Belly. Renowned for their incredible soups, sandwiches, wraps, and salads, it’s a culinary gem. My daughter couldn’t stop raving about their Tomato Basil Soup, and her enthusiasm was contagious. That experience sparked a mission: to recreate that fresh, irresistible taste at home.
I set out to find a recipe online, determined to find something straightforward that utilized ingredients I already had on hand. What I discovered was a fantastic base recipe, said to be a copycat of Applebee’s popular soup. While I hadn’t tried Applebee’s version myself, I can confidently say the adapted recipe was nothing short of wonderful. It was incredibly easy to prepare, required minimal effort, and as an added bonus, it was surprisingly low in calories. This discovery transformed a typical busy Monday into a cozy, memorable family dinner.
The Magic of Homemade: Why Fresh is Best
Opting for homemade Tomato Basil Soup over a store-bought can offers a world of difference in flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Canned soups often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors that dull the natural brightness of tomatoes and herbs. When you make it from scratch, you’re in control of every ingredient, allowing you to tailor the taste precisely to your liking.
Fresh tomatoes, sweet basil, pungent garlic, and savory onions combine to create a depth of flavor that simply cannot be replicated by processed ingredients. The aroma alone as it simmers on the stove is enough to transform your kitchen into a comforting haven. Plus, the satisfaction of serving a nourishing meal made with love is truly unmatched. This recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to mean complex steps or exotic ingredients. Simple, fresh components can yield extraordinary results, making this homemade tomato basil soup a true family favorite.
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Tomato Basil Soup
Easy to make, Homemade Tomato Basil Soup. Good year round, but it really hits the spot with a nice grilled cheese or a baguette bread on a cold fall or winter’s day!
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 – 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomatoes
- 48 ounces of chicken broth could use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 1/2 cups Half & Half
- 2/3 cup basil leaves fresh, packed
- 1/3-2/3 cups sugar start with a little and taste, adjust to your preferred sweetness
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about an hour. This cooling period enhances flavor and makes blending safer.
- Once cooled slightly, add the fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley, and dried oregano to the pot. Using an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender), carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. For an extra smooth soup, you can blend it in batches in a regular blender (be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids, only fill the blender halfway and vent the lid).
- Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the Half & Half. Now is the time to adjust the seasoning. Add sugar, starting with 1/3 cup, then taste. If you prefer a sweeter soup, gradually add more sugar up to 2/3 cup. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Warm through gently, ensuring it doesn’t come to a rolling boil after adding the cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips for the Perfect Tomato Basil Soup
Achieving a truly outstanding Tomato Basil Soup is simple, but a few tips can elevate your creation:
- Quality Ingredients are Key: Since this soup relies on just a few core ingredients, their quality matters. Use good quality canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted tomatoes can add an extra layer of smoky flavor), fresh basil, and fresh garlic for the best results.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar needed can vary based on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes and personal preference. Always start with the minimum amount suggested and add more gradually, tasting as you go, until you achieve the perfect balance.
- Blending for Texture: An immersion blender is incredibly convenient for achieving a smooth consistency directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works just as well. Remember to blend in small batches and be cautious when handling hot liquids – always remove the center cap of the blender lid to allow steam to escape, covering the opening with a kitchen towel. For a chunkier soup, blend only partially or skip blending entirely.
- Spice It Up (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the onions and garlic can provide a delightful kick.
- Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using vegetable broth and substituting the Half & Half with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water until smooth).
Serving Suggestions and Beyond
While the classic pairing with grilled cheese is undeniable, this versatile Tomato Basil Soup offers many other serving possibilities:
- Crispy Croutons: Top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for added texture.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: A final sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
- A Swirl of Cream: A small drizzle of extra Half & Half or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a touch of richness.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing makes a refreshing accompaniment.
- Crusty Bread: Beyond baguettes, any crusty bread perfect for dipping will do.
- Mini Sandwiches: Serve alongside small, open-faced sandwiches or sliders for a more substantial meal.
This homemade Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, offering comfort, warmth, and a burst of fresh flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for a cozy weekend gathering. So, next time the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a bowl of pure deliciousness, give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Need the perfect accompaniment? Check out this equally delicious grilled cheese recipe:
Apple BBQ Pork & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese
Original recipe adapted from topsecretrecipes.com