Tomato and Basil Soup (Printable)

Rich, velvety blend of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with olive oil

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3.3 lbs ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 3 cups vegetable broth
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

→ Herbs & Seasoning

06 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to break down.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add sugar if desired. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat. Add basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until silky smooth (or blend in batches in a countertop blender).
06 - Taste and season with salt and pepper. For extra richness, stir in heavy cream if using.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way fresh basil transforms at the last minute, releasing an aroma that fills your entire kitchen
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • That moment when you drizzle olive oil on top and watch it swirl into red ribbons
02 -
  • Hot soup expands dramatically when blended, so never fill your blender more than halfway full
  • The quality of your tomatoes determines the final flavor, so taste and adjust seasoning generously
  • This soup keeps beautifully and actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld
03 -
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to avoid transferring hot liquid
  • Always add fresh basil off the heat to preserve its bright green color and flavor
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