Heavenly Creamy Tomato Bliss

$To make creamy tomato soup, you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) - ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can change some ingredients for your taste. Use avocado oil instead of olive oil. If you want a sweeter soup, try honey instead of sugar. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you want it vegan, coconut cream works well. You can swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer. Garnishes add fun and flavor. Use fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. You can also drizzle olive oil or a swirl of cream on top. Croutons add crunch and make the dish more filling. Try adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a tasty twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Gather your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, herbs, sugar, and cream. 2. Chop one medium onion into small pieces. 3. Mince three cloves of garlic finely. 4. If you want to use fresh basil for garnish, wash and dry a few leaves now. 1. In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until it looks clear. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until it smells nice. 4. Open two cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Pour them into the pot with their juices. 5. Add two cups of vegetable broth. Then, mix in one teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and sugar. 6. Bring the mix to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together well. 1. Once the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth. 2. If you use a regular blender, be careful with hot liquid. Blend in small batches. 3. After blending, pour the soup back into the pot over low heat. 4. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream. Heat for about 5 minutes until warm. 5. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, add more broth to adjust. To boost the taste, use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh basil adds bright notes. You can also try thyme or parsley. Mixing in red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. Don't forget to taste as you go. Adjust spices to suit your taste. A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This small step makes a big difference! For a rich, smooth soup, heavy cream works wonders. If you want a lighter option, use coconut cream. Add the cream slowly and stir well. This helps it blend evenly. If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer longer. You can also add more cream for extra richness. Just remember, the key is to blend until silky. One common mistake is not sautéing the onion long enough. Take your time with this step. If you rush it, the flavor will not develop fully. Another error is over-blending the soup. Blend it just until smooth, not too long. This keeps some texture, which is nice. Lastly, don't skip seasoning. Always taste before serving to ensure it’s just right! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried herbs can't match. Add it just before serving to preserve its aroma. Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. Serving Suggestions: This creamy tomato soup pairs wonderfully with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make creamy tomato soup without dairy. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. This keeps the soup rich and adds a hint of sweetness. Other options include almond milk or cashew cream. These will still give you a creamy texture. Boost the nutrition of your soup by adding veggies. Carrots, zucchini, or spinach work well. Just chop them small and add them when you cook the onions. They will blend nicely and add great flavor. You can even sneak in some bell peppers for a pop of color and taste. If you like some heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. For something zesty, squeeze in some lemon juice just before serving. This gives the soup a fresh finish. After enjoying your creamy tomato soup, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to the fridge. Properly stored, it lasts up to three days. You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Leave some space at the top since the soup expands when frozen. It will keep well for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. You want it warm, not boiling. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright. Enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of taste! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Start with about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. First, chop and roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Roasting adds depth to the flavor. After roasting, blend the tomatoes with the broth. This gives your soup a fresh taste and vibrant color. To make the soup gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but check the label. This soup naturally does not contain flour or wheat. So, as long as your broth is gluten-free, you are good to go! Creamy tomato soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches. The crispy bread and melted cheese create a perfect combo. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. For a fun twist, try adding some croutons on top of your soup! This blog post covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for your dish. We explored substitutions and garnishes to suit your taste. I shared ways to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations like dairy-free options and adding veggies. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating for the best taste. By following these ideas, you can enjoy a creamy and delicious tomato soup. This dish can fit any meal and please anyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Heavenly Creamy Tomato Bliss

A rich and creamy tomato soup with a blend of herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
0.5 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and sugar.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
Using an immersion blender or a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids), blend the soup until smooth.
Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more broth if necessary.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls and drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. Consider pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal!

Keyword creamy, soup, tomato, vegetarian