Tomato basil soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, with its rich, velvety texture and delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. Imagine the comforting scent of ripe tomatoes mingling with fragrant basil, creating an experience that’s as soothing as your favorite blanket on a rainy afternoon. This dish is perfect when you want to curl up with a good book or impress guests at a cozy dinner party.
Growing up, my grandmother made the best tomato basil soup recipe during family gatherings. The way she’d stir the pot while sharing stories made the soup taste even better. Whether it was a cold winter’s night or a summer’s afternoon, this soup always brought everyone together, creating memories full of laughter and warmth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato basil soup recipe is incredibly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes
- Its rich flavors and vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table
- Perfect as a starter or paired with grilled cheese for a classic combo
- You can easily customize ingredients based on your taste preferences
I’ll never forget the time I brought this soup to a potluck; people were literally fighting over the last spoonful!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor; they should feel slightly soft when squeezed.
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Fresh Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves; they should smell aromatic and sweet.
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Onion: A medium yellow onion will add sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; crush them lightly before adding to unleash their full flavor.
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Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth lets you control salt levels while enhancing the soup’s flavor.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to the overall taste.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning can elevate flavors; adjust to your preference as you go along.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do it.
Add Tomatoes: Once your onions are translucent and smelling heavenly, toss in those fresh tomatoes. Stir occasionally until they break down and release their juices—this takes about 10 minutes.
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in your vegetable broth, bringing everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes; this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Blend Until Smooth: Remove from heat and carefully blend the mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender until silky smooth. If you prefer some texture, pulse gently instead of blending completely.
Add Fresh Basil : Stir in chopped fresh basil after blending. Let it infuse for just a couple of minutes to brighten up those flavors before serving.
Season to Taste : Finally, taste your creation! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or alongside your favorite sandwich for an ultimate comfort meal.
This tomato basil soup recipe not only warms your heart but also fills your home with inviting aromas that beckon everyone to gather around the table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This flavorful tomato basil soup recipe is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
- Perfect for chilly evenings, its vibrant colors and rich aromas will transport you to an Italian café
- It’s simple yet elegant enough for dinner parties or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, add canned tomatoes and broth, letting it simmer while you prepare fresh basil.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh basil with dried herbs or add a splash of cream for richness. You can also toss in roasted red peppers for extra depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your tomato basil soup recipe, use quality canned tomatoes; they make a huge difference in taste
- Don’t skip fresh basil; it elevates the flavor profile immensely
- Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning as you go for perfection
Sharing a bowl of this tomato basil soup at family gatherings always brings smiles. It became my go-to comfort food after a friend raved about its warmth and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure they’re ripe and cook them down properly before blending.
Is this tomato basil soup recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I serve with tomato basil soup?
Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a classic combination.

Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that warms both the heart and the soul. With its rich, velvety texture and aromatic blend of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for chilly afternoons or cozy dinner gatherings. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a vibrant soup that’s deliciously satisfying, whether paired with crusty bread or your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, cooking until they break down and release their juices (approximately 10 minutes).
- Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat; blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Stir in chopped basil and let it infuse for a couple of minutes before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg