Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Printable Version)

Velvety tomato soup infused with fresh basil, served alongside crispy sourdough bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Soup

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 2 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

→ Sourdough Dippers

12 - 1 small sourdough loaf, cut into thick slices
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 1 garlic clove, halved

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
04 - Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil.
06 - Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on both sides of each sourdough slice.
08 - Grill the bread slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. While still warm, rub each slice lightly with the cut side of the garlic clove.
09 - Cut bread into strips for dipping.
10 - Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra basil, and serve with sourdough dippers on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
  • The combination of velvety soup and crispy sourdough creates an irresistible textural contrast
  • Easily adaptable for vegan and dairy-free diets
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note that elevates canned tomatoes to restaurant quality
02 -
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy cleanup and to avoid the mess of transferring hot soup to a countertop blender
  • Don't skip the sugar—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes and brings out their natural sweetness
  • For the best flavor, use fresh basil rather than dried; add it at the end to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities
  • Make the sourdough dippers just before serving so they stay crispy and warm
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy meal on busy nights
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