Name: Hearty Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: ¼ cup heavy cream (optional); ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Optional garnish: extra basil, drizzle of olive oil

Warm up with Hearty Tomato Basil Soup, a healthy, comforting dinner bursting with rich tomato flavor and fragrant basil. This easy, one-pot dish is perfect for cozy evenings, delivering wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired goodness that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil for a soul-warming dinner. This healthy, one-pot recipe is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with vitamins, making it ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep. Its velvety texture and robust flavors feel indulgent yet align with healthy eating goals. Perfect for pairing with crusty bread or a salad, this versatile soup is customizable for various diets and spice preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a bowl of cozy goodness.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Basil: Add basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
Blend Smoothly: Use an immersion blender for a creamy texture without transferring hot liquid.
Adjust Thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onions and garlic until soft to build a deep, savory base.
Taste and Season: Adjust salt and pepper before serving, as canned tomatoes vary in saltiness.
Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and measure ingredients in advance for a quick weeknight start.

Yield: 6 Servings

Hearty Tomato Basil Soup

Hearty Tomato Basil Soup, a healthy, flavorful dinner perfect for cozy, nutritious evenings.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional garnish: extra basil, drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Prep the Veggies: Dice onion and carrot, and mince garlic for a flavorful, aromatic base.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onion and carrot for 5 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add canned tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up with a spoon.
Pour in Broth: Add vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in salt and pepper; adjust later if needed based on taste.
Simmer the Soup: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until velvety; blend in batches if using a standard blender.
Add Cream and Basil: Stir in heavy cream (if using) and chopped basil for richness and freshness.
Serve with Flair: Ladle into bowls, garnish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil, and enjoy this cozy delight!

Notes

For a chunkier soup, blend only half the mixture and leave some texture.
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes if available, but blanch and peel them first.
Leftovers deepen in flavor, making this perfect for next-day meals.
Pair with whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 115Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 11mgSodium 253mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Tomatoes: Canned San Marzano tomatoes offer rich flavor; fresh ripe tomatoes work but require peeling.
Onion: Yellow onion provides a sweet, savory base; red onion is a milder alternative.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds bold depth; avoid pre-minced for best taste.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves deliver vibrant flavor; dried basil is less aromatic but usable.
Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; chicken broth works for non-vegetarian options.
Carrots: Diced carrots add subtle sweetness and nutrition; fresh is best for texture.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil enhances richness; use for sautéing and finishing.
Heavy Cream (Optional): Adds a creamy touch; omit for a lighter, vegan-friendly soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Option: Skip cream or use coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include celery, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Cheese Boost: Stir in Parmesan or top with mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth is certified gluten-free.
Low-Fat: Omit cream or use low-fat milk for a lighter soup.
Herb Swap: Use oregano or thyme instead of basil for a different flavor profile.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat on the stove or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore consistency.
Meal Prep: Store in single-serve containers for easy lunches or dinners.