Creamy Basil Tomato Rice Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Basil Tomato Rice Soup, a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and creamy texture. Perfect for a cozy night in, this low-protein soup incorporates tender rice and a rich tomato base, elevated by aromatic basil and garlic. Each spoonful encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness, making it an excellent option for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. With the option to add fresh cream, you can customize it to your liking. Serve it warm and enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
6
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
celery stalks
2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon (none)
plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (including juice)
chicken stock or vegetable stock
6 cups (none)
long-grain white rice
1/2 cup (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
whipping cream (optional)
1/2 cup (none)
fresh basil (optional)
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, and dried basil to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Carefully pour the canned tomatoes with juice into a food processor. Blend until smooth, then add the tomato puree to the pot.
4
Stir in the chicken or vegetable stock and the long-grain white rice. Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6
Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley (and fresh basil, if using). For a creamier texture, add the whipping cream at this stage and stir until well combined.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy hot with crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
33.33g
Carbs
3.33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Tomato Rice Soup?
It is a comforting, low-protein soup that combines a rich tomato base with tender long-grain white rice, aromatic basil, and garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically categorized as low protein, containing only 3.33g of protein per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What are the total calories per serving?
There are 200 calories in each serving of this soup.
What type of rice is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of long-grain white rice.
How long does it take to cook the rice in the soup?
The rice should be simmered in the soup for 30 to 35 minutes until it is tender.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 6 cups of chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How should I prepare the canned plum tomatoes?
You should pour the 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes with their juice into a food processor and blend until smooth before adding them to the pot.
What vegetables are used as the soup base?
The base is made by sautéing one large chopped onion, two chopped celery stalks, and two minced garlic cloves.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Is the whipping cream mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of whipping cream is optional and can be added at the end for a creamier texture.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5g of fat.
What dried herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves added during the initial sautéing step.
Can I add fresh basil to this soup?
Yes, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil at the end of the cooking process for extra flavor.
When should the fresh parsley be added?
The 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley should be stirred in just before serving.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil heated over medium heat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 33.33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list (rice, vegetables, stock, and cream), the soup is naturally gluten-free; however, always check your stock label to be sure.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, ensure you use vegetable stock and omit the optional whipping cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The two cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the soup pot.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté the onion, celery, garlic, and dried basil for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
What size can of tomatoes is required?
The recipe requires one 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided, but it will depend on the stock you choose and the salt you add to taste.
What is recommended to serve with this soup?
It is recommended to serve the soup warm with crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
How do I adjust the texture if it is too thick?
If the soup is too thick due to the rice absorbing the liquid, you can stir in a little more stock or water until the desired consistency is reached.
Is the protein content high in this recipe?
No, at 3.33g per serving, this is considered a low-protein meal.
What is the amount of dried basil needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves.
Should the pot be covered while the rice cooks?
Yes, once the soup reaches a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot to cook the rice.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock, all other primary ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes significantly longer to cook and requires more liquid than the white rice specified in this recipe.