The luscious aroma of a warm bowl of tomato soup can turn any average day into a cozy retreat. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup embraces the heart of comfort food with its silky texture and vibrant flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. As I stirred the pot for the first time, the rich scent of sautéed onions and fresh basil wafted through the kitchen, instantly making me feel at home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup

Even if you’ve experienced lackluster canned options, this easy homemade tomato soup will change your mind. It’s a delicious balance of sweet and savory, bolstered by the depth of flavor from the leeks and a touch of creamy half-and-half. This recipe not only pleases your palate but also dresses up your table with splashes of vibrant red and hints of green. Trust me, after tasting this fresh, easy, and comforting bowl of soup, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a 5-minute prep time and a total cook time of just 30 minutes, you can have this delightful soup on the table fast.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet onions, fresh leeks, and rich tomatoes creates a flavor-packed experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its deep red hue topped with fresh basil and crunchy croutons makes every bowl a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a light meal, appetizer, or paired with grilled cheese for a classic combo!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, making it a versatile choice for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the soup. If you prefer, you can substitute with olive oil.
1 onion (about 1 cup, minced): Offers sweetness when sautéed. A yellow or sweet onion works best.
1 cup leek, chopped: Provides a mild onion flavor. If unavailable, green onions can be a nice substitute.
1 can peeled plum tomatoes (14-ounce): The star of the show! Opt for high-quality or San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste.
2 cups vegetable stock: Enriches the soup’s flavor. Homemade is preferable, but store-bought works great too.
2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor. Regular tomato paste can also be used if you don’t have the double-concentrated version.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances flavor. Feel free to adjust to taste.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Helps to counterbalance acidity. Honey or maple syrup can be used as an alternative.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Gives that classic herbal note. Fresh basil can also be used if you have it on hand.
½ cup half and half: Adds creaminess. For a lighter version, you can use milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a finishing touch and bright color.
Croutons for garnish (optional): Adds crunch and texture. Homemade or store-bought croutons work well.

How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Melt Butter: In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This creates a luscious base for your soup.

Sauté Vegetables: Once melted, add 1 cup of minced onion and 1 cup of chopped leek. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are fragrant and the onions are translucent.

Combine Key Ingredients: Add 1 can (14-ounce) peeled plum tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable stock, 2 tablespoons of double-concentrated tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons dried basil to the pot. Stir well and crush the tomatoes gently with a spatula to release their juices.

Simmer: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.

Stir in Cream: Slowly add ½ cup of half and half to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil again. This step adds a lovely creaminess that elevates the soup.

Purée Until Smooth: Turn off the heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and feel free to add more seasoning if needed. It should be a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and savory.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and croutons if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy goodness!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover soup at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. The soup may thicken slightly in the fridge, so feel free to add a splash of vegetable stock or water to refresh its consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid burning the butter, always melt it over medium heat; if it starts bubbling too vigorously, reduce the heat slightly.
For a smoother texture, ensure that you blend the soup well, especially if you use a standard blender.
Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, can brighten the flavor just before serving, so don’t skip this step!
If you’re looking for an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
You can make the soup a day ahead; flavors deepen nicely as they sit!

A wonderful soup like this one is easy to love, and the creamy tomato basil flavor is impossible to resist. I encourage you to experiment a little—add spices or toppings according to your taste. You might find a new favorite way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Gather your ingredients, find a cozy spot, and dig into this comforting bowl of homemade happiness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can substitute about 2 pounds of ripe fresh tomatoes. Just blanch them to peel easily, and chop them before adding to the pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time since fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to break down and develop flavor.

What can I serve with my tomato soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing, but you can also enjoy it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a warm baguette for dipping! Explore different sides to personalize your meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting the half-and-half with a non-dairy milk such as coconut or almond milk and omitting the butter in favor of olive oil. The flavor will still be delightful!

How can I enhance the flavor?

For a deeper flavor profile, consider roasting the garlic and vegetables before adding them to the pot. You can also experiment with adding spices like smoked paprika, oregano, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.