Creamy Tomato Soup Basil

It started as one of those gray Sundays when nothing felt right except something warm and simple. I'd picked up too many tomatoes at the market and couldn't bear to let them go to waste. The house filled with that unmistakable simmering smell that makes time feel slower somehow. Now this soup is my answer to almost every kind of day.

Last winter my sister dropped by unannounced during that awful week when everyone was catching something. She was wrapped in three layers and looked like she hadn't slept properly in days. I made this soup while she sat at my kitchen table just watching the steam rise. She asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bowl.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Creates the foundation that carries all the flavors forward.
• Onion: One medium onion provides the subtle sweetness base.
• Garlic cloves: Two cloves give gentle warmth without overwhelming.
• Canned whole tomatoes: 800 grams with their juices work beautifully year round.
• Carrot: One medium diced carrot adds natural sweetness and body.
• Vegetable broth: 500 milliliters create the perfect soup consistency.
• Heavy cream: 120 milliliters transforms everything into silk.
• Sugar: One teaspoon balances acidity when needed.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously to bring everything together.
• Fresh basil: One small bunch added last minute keeps it vibrant.

Instructions

Build your base:

Heat olive oil in your large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrot. Let them soften for about five minutes until they're fragrant and starting to turn translucent.

Add the garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until it becomes aromatic. Watch carefully so it doesn't brown or turn bitter.

Combine everything:

Pour in the tomatoes with their juices along with the vegetable broth. Add the sugar if using plus salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer together.

Let it develop:

Reduce the heat to low and cover your pot. Simmer for twenty minutes stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld and deepen during this time.

Add the basil:

Remove the pot from heat. Drop in the fresh basil leaves and let them wilt briefly in the hot soup.

Create the texture:

Use your immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth. If using a countertop blender work in batches and be careful with hot liquid.

Finish with cream:

Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust your seasoning as needed.

Serve it up:

Reheat gently if the soup has cooled too much. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves.

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This recipe has become my go to for new neighbors and old friends alike. There's something universally comforting about it that puts people at ease without asking for anything in return.

Making It Your Own

Once you master the basic version you'll start seeing variations everywhere. Try roasting the vegetables first for deeper flavor or add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.

The Perfect Pairing

A grilled cheese sandwich cut into strips for dipping turns this into a complete meal. The way the melty cheese stretches into the hot soup is something everyone should experience at least once.

Storing And reheating

This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
• Add a splash more broth if it thickens too much in the fridge.
• Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming.

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There's nothing quite like standing at the stove with a spoon in hand tasting that first perfect batch. Hope this recipe brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of tomatoes work best?

Ripe fresh tomatoes yield the best flavor, but canned whole tomatoes with juice are a convenient and tasty alternative.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I achieve a smooth texture?

Use an immersion blender or a countertop blender to puree the soup until velvety and uniform.

→ What herbs complement this soup?

Fresh basil is the star herb, providing a bright, aromatic note that enhances the tomato base.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, but verify that the vegetable broth used does not contain gluten additives.

→ Can I add a spicy kick?

Try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce subtle heat without overwhelming the flavors.