Creamy Rustic Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Rustic Tomato Basil Soup, perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. This recipe combines the rich sweetness of plum tomatoes with the earthiness of carrots and onions, beautifully balanced by aromatic dry basil. The addition of heavy cream brings a velvety texture that elevates this classic dish to new heights. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this hearty soup can be easily made in large batches, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep. Serve with crusty bread for a complete experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned peeled plum tomatoes
12 cups (none)
carrots
3 lbs (chopped)
onions
3 lbs (chopped)
dry basil
4 tablespoons (none)
olive oil
1 cup (none)
water
2 gallons (none)
chicken base
1 lb (none)
heavy cream
3 quarts (none)
kosher salt
4 tablespoons (none)
black pepper
4 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and onions, sautéing for approximately 15 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
2
Stir in the dry basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the canned peeled plum tomatoes to the pot and mix well, allowing all the flavors to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3
In a separate large bowl, whisk the chicken base into the water until it is completely dissolved.
4
Pour the water mixture into the stock pot and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
After 45 minutes, use a hand blender to puree the soup until smooth. Gradually add in the heavy cream while blending until it reaches a thin, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Rustic Tomato Basil Soup?
It is a comforting and hearty dish made with plum tomatoes, carrots, onions, and dry basil, finished with heavy cream for a velvety texture.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of canned peeled plum tomatoes.
How long do you need to sauté the carrots and onions?
You should sauté the chopped carrots and onions in olive oil for approximately 15 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What herbs provide the primary flavor in this soup?
The primary aromatic herb used is 4 tablespoons of dry basil.
How is the broth prepared for this soup?
The broth is made by whisking 1 lb of chicken base into 2 gallons of water until completely dissolved.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
After reaching a rolling boil, the soup should simmer for about 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Use a hand blender (immersion blender) to puree the soup after it has finished simmering.
When should the heavy cream be added?
The heavy cream is added gradually while blending the soup after the initial 45-minute simmer.
How much heavy cream is required?
This large batch recipe requires 3 quarts of heavy cream.
What equipment is necessary for blending?
A hand blender is recommended to puree the soup directly in the stock pot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be easily made in large batches.
What are the suggested side dishes?
This soup is best served with crusty bread for a complete experience.
Can I make this soup in large batches?
Absolutely, the recipe is designed for large quantities, making it perfect for gatherings.
What kind of oil should I use for the base?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of kosher salt and 4 tablespoons of black pepper.
Are the tomatoes prepared in any specific way?
No specific preparation is needed for the canned peeled plum tomatoes other than adding them to the pot.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
No, this recipe uses chicken base, but it could be made vegetarian by substituting it with a vegetable base.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including tomatoes, carrots, onions, basil, oil, water, chicken base, cream, salt, and pepper.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should adjust the seasoning if necessary after adding the heavy cream and blending.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is heating olive oil in a large stock pot and sautéing the carrots and onions.
What texture should the soup have?
The soup should have a thin, creamy consistency after the heavy cream is blended in.
Is fresh basil recommended?
This specific recipe calls for dry basil to achieve its rustic flavor profile.
Why are carrots used in tomato soup?
Carrots add an earthiness and natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served as either a light appetizer or a hearty main course.
Does the soup need to reach a boil?
Yes, after adding the water mixture, you must bring the soup to a rolling boil before reducing it to a simmer.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 2 gallons of water.
What is the role of onions in this soup?
Onions provide a fragrant aromatic base that builds the foundational flavor of the soup.
How much produce is needed for the vegetables?
You will need 3 lbs of chopped carrots and 3 lbs of chopped onions.
What makes the soup rustic?
The combination of simple, hearty root vegetables like carrots and onions with plum tomatoes gives it a rustic, home-cooked feel.