Description
Creamy vegan tomato basil soup elevates simple ingredients into a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil blend seamlessly, promising a nourishing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 14 oz (400 g) cans whole or diced tomatoes
- 2 cups (480 mL) vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup (120 mL) unsweetened coconut milk or any plant-based cream (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, adding diced onions and cooking until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, allowing the ingredients to release their aromatic qualities without scorching.
- Build Soup Base: Pour in vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes, whisking to combine. Add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop depth.
- Infuse and Blend: Reduce heat and let the soup gently bubble for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and velvety. Fold in fresh basil leaves, stirring to distribute their vibrant, herbaceous essence throughout the soup.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and additional fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Sauté with Care: Gentle heat and constant stirring prevent onions and garlic from burning, ensuring a sweet, mellow flavor foundation for your soup.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use medium-low heat to allow ingredients to develop depth without scorching, creating a more nuanced and rich taste profile.
- Chop Uniformly: Consistent, fine chopping of onions and garlic ensures even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- Patience Pays Off: Take time during the initial sautéing stage, allowing ingredients to slowly caramelize and release their natural sugars, elevating the overall soup complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg