Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This creamy tomato and basil preparation combines ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream to create a silky smooth texture. Sautéed onion and garlic build a flavorful base, while gentle simmering blends all ingredients harmoniously. The final touch of fresh herbs and optional butter adds richness and depth, making it a delightful, warming dish ideal for cozy occasions.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:09:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of creamy Comfort Soup: Tomato and Basil Soup, garnished with fresh basil. Save
A steaming bowl of creamy Comfort Soup: Tomato and Basil Soup, garnished with fresh basil. | brilliantcrust.com

A creamy, vibrant tomato and basil soup thats bursting with rich flavor and perfect for cozy days. Silky-smooth with just the right touch of herbs, this comforting classic is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

This soup has become a family favorite especially on chilly evenings when we crave something warm and soothing.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion diced, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 lbs (900 g) ripe tomatoes chopped (or 2 cans [28 oz] whole peeled tomatoes drained), 1 medium carrot peeled and diced
  • Liquids: 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable stock (gluten-free if required), 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option), 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1 tsp sugar (optional to balance acidity), 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat), 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves packed plus extra for garnish
  • Finishing: 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional for richness)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot sauté for 57 minutes until softened and translucent.
Step 2:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the tomato paste cook for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Add the chopped tomatoes vegetable stock sugar (if using) salt pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
Step 5:
Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Step 6:
Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to purée the soup until smooth.
Step 7:
Return the soup to low heat. Stir in the cream and butter until fully incorporated and heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 8:
Ladle into bowls garnish with extra basil and serve hot.
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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| brilliantcrust.com

Our family loves gathering around the table and sharing this soup as a warm and wholesome meal.

Required Tools

Large pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon, Immersion blender or countertop blender, Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (heavy cream butter). May contain gluten if non-gluten-free stock is used. For dairy-free or vegan diets substitute coconut cream and omit butter. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 4 g per serving

Homemade Comfort Soup: Tomato and Basil Soup, featuring a vibrant red color and a fragrant aroma. Save
Homemade Comfort Soup: Tomato and Basil Soup, featuring a vibrant red color and a fragrant aroma. | brilliantcrust.com
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This tomato and basil soup is a simple yet elegant dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal.

Recipe Q&A

What type of tomatoes works best?

Ripe fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes offer the best flavor and texture for a vibrant, balanced outcome.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and omitting butter keeps it rich while accommodating dairy-free preferences.

How can I enhance the depth of flavor?

Roasting fresh tomatoes before cooking or adding roasted red peppers can boost sweetness and complexity.

What herbs complement this dish?

Fresh basil is essential, lending aroma and brightness; adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce subtle heat.

What should I serve alongside this dish?

Crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich pair beautifully, balancing silky texture with crispy or chewy contrast.

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Silky smooth tomato and basil blend with herbs, perfect for a warm, comforting meal.

Time to prep
15 min
Time to cook
35 min
Overall time
50 min
Created by Isabella Davis


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots International

Makes 4 Number of servings

Diet considerations Vegetarian, Contains no gluten

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans [28 oz] whole peeled tomatoes, drained)
05 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced

Liquids

01 3 cups vegetable stock (gluten-free if required)
02 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
03 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
02 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
03 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
05 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus extra for garnish

Finishing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for richness)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot, sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 02

Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, sugar if using, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 05

Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Add Fresh Basil: Remove pot from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves.

Step 07

Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer soup in batches to a countertop blender and puree until smooth.

Step 08

Finish with Cream and Butter: Return soup to low heat, stir in cream and butter until fully incorporated and warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 09

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with additional fresh basil, and serve hot.

What you'll need

  • Large pot
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Ladle

Allergy notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and get medical advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, butter)
  • May contain gluten if stock is not gluten-free

Nutritional info (per serving)

Nutrition info is meant to guide only—it's not a replacement for professional medical input.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 4 g