Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup offers a smooth, flavorful blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy half and half, perfect for comforting lunches or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Wesson oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped or 1 (16 oz.) can chopped, stewed tomatoes
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped with 1 tablespoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat Wesson oil and saute the chopped onion and minced garlic until tender but not browned.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes or canned stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, half and half, chopped basil or parsley with dried basil, sugar, and salt.
- Stir until well blended and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly, then pour it into a blender or food processor, one third at a time.
- Puree until smooth and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes are an excellent substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy tomato basil soup with a crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting lunch. For a garnish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil or sprinkle some additional fresh basil on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup contains roughly 101 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried basil; just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Add it during the simmering stage so it has time to release its flavors.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the half and half with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep the soup completely plant-based while still delivering great flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider including a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic. Alternatively, you can stir in hot sauce right before serving to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).