Tomato Basil Soup
A vibrant and comforting tomato basil soup with rich flavors of fresh herbs and a creamy finish. Perfect for cozy lunches or dinner, this soup is versatile and pairs beautifully with rice, offering a balance of tangy tomatoes and fragrant basil. An easy, wholesome dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. chopped yellow onions ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cans or 2 lb. fresh peeled whole plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 c. chicken stock or vegetable stock or water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. heavy cream (optional) ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh basil, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the chopped yellow onions and minced garlic in olive oil in a saucepan until transparent.
- Stir in the canned or fresh peeled whole plum tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, dried marjoram, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes.
- Puree the soup in small batches in a blender and return it to the saucepan.
- Use caution when pureeing hot soup to avoid splatters.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using), chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Divide the cooked rice among 6 soup bowls and ladle the hot soup over the rice.
- Garnish each bowl with additional chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. If you're short on time, you can substitute canned tomatoes with a high-quality brand for convenience. Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried: use 1/3 the amount. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra fresh basil or parsley for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Roast Chicken or a Mediterranean-inspired dish to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or stock to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving to maintain the soup's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Basil Soup contains roughly 842 calories, with 27g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by replacing the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omitting the heavy cream, or substituting it with coconut cream or a plant-based option. The flavors will still be robust and delicious!
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a potato or two while simmering, which will break down and add creaminess. Alternatively, blend in some cooked rice or use a cornstarch slurry for a quick thickening method. Adjust the liquid accordingly.
Can I freeze Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, Tomato Basil Soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding a bit of water or stock if needed.
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).