Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This comforting tomato and basil soup combines ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a rich, aromatic experience. Starting with sautéed onions and carrots, the base is enhanced with garlic and tomato paste before simmering to deepen flavors. After blending smooth, cream and butter add a creamy texture and subtle richness. Adjustable with red pepper flakes or roasted peppers, it suits various palettes and can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut cream and skipping butter. A perfect choice for warming, vibrant meals any day.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:39:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of comforting homemade tomato and basil soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Save
A steaming bowl of comforting homemade tomato and basil soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves. | pulsebaker.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 been a favorite in my family, bringing warmth and smiles especially on chilly evenings.

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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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Organize kitchen cleaning supplies and cooking essentials on the wall to keep prep areas tidy and accessible.
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Creamy tomato and basil soup, a delightful vegetarian meal, ready to warm you on a chilly day. Save
Creamy tomato and basil soup, a delightful vegetarian meal, ready to warm you on a chilly day. | pulsebaker.com

This recipe always brings the family around the table and creates a cozy atmosphere full of laughter and good conversation.

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

Silky-smooth tomato and basil soup, a vibrant blend of fresh tomatoes and herbs, perfect with crusty bread. Save
Silky-smooth tomato and basil soup, a vibrant blend of fresh tomatoes and herbs, perfect with crusty bread. | pulsebaker.com
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This soup is a perfect blend of flavor and comfort you can enjoy any time of year.

Questions & Answers

How can I make this soup vegan?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the butter to keep the soup creamy without dairy.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned whole peeled tomatoes work well and provide consistent flavor all year round.

What herbs enhance the basil flavor best?

Fresh basil is key, but adding a touch of freshly ground black pepper and optional red pepper flakes can heighten the herbal aroma and taste.

Is it possible to add more depth to the tomato flavor?

Roasting fresh tomatoes before cooking or adding a handful of roasted red peppers can intensify the soup's flavor profile.

What is the best way to get a smooth texture?

Using an immersion blender directly in the pot or transferring the soup to a countertop blender in batches ensures a silky, smooth consistency.

Can this soup be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free vegetable stock you can easily keep the soup gluten-free.

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Silky-smooth tomato and basil blend with fresh herbs, ideal for cozy and flavorful meals.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Time Required
50 min
Created by Olivia Carter


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Meat-Free, 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 ounces) 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)
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)
05 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus extra for garnish

Finishing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté vegetables: 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

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate tomato paste: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 04

Combine tomatoes and stock: Add chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Add fresh basil: Remove pot from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves.

Step 06

Puree soup: Use an immersion blender or a countertop blender in batches to purée the soup until smooth.

Step 07

Finish soup: Return soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream and butter until thoroughly combined and warmed through. Adjust seasoning to preference.

Step 08

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Look over the ingredients for possible allergens, and speak to a professional about concerns.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, butter); may contain gluten if non-gluten-free stock is used.

Nutrition per Serving

Pulse Baker gives this for general use. It isn't medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat content: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein: 4 g