Gather these ingredients to whip up this creamy delight:
- 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup:
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the onions are soft and the flavors have melded together.
- Step 3: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to heat through.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Nutritional Information
On average, this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup contains about 320 kcal per serving, and each recipe yields 6 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 4-5 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they soften properly.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months.
4. Is this recipe customizable?
Yes! You can add cooked pasta or rice to make it more filling, or include roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.
5. Can I make it spicy?
Certainly! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up according to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or any occasion where comfort food is desired, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds. Try it out, and you won’t regret adding this classic, heartwarming recipe to your repertoire!