How to Make the Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
This silky creamy tomato basil soup is entirely vegan and relies on coconut cream and ripe tomatoes to create a luscious restaurant-quality bowl at home. It is the ultimate vegan comfort food that pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 0.5 cup coconut cream
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium yellow onion roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves packed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar or maple syrup
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and starting to turn golden.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Add the canned tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir and bring to a simmer, then cook for 15 minutes to develop and concentrate the flavors.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches or use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely silky and smooth.
Step 4: Add Cream and Basil
Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the coconut cream, fresh basil, and the teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity. Heat gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. Serve in warm bowls with a swirl of coconut cream and a fresh basil leaf on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- coconut cream → blended raw cashews soaked in water for a neutral creamy finish
- whole peeled tomatoes → 2 pounds of fresh ripe roma tomatoes roasted in the oven
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the sugar or acid balance which leaves the soup tasting overly sharp and tart from the tomatoes
- Not blending long enough which results in a chunky texture instead of a velvety smooth soup
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 5g protein, 28g carbs, 13g fat, 5g fiber.
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