Hearty Tomato Basil Bliss Soup
Indulge in the delightful warmth of this Hearty Tomato Basil Bliss Soup, a comforting bowl of flavors reminiscent of your favorite bistro. Bursting with rich, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, this soup is a perfect harmony of sweetness and zest. Made creamy with luscious cream and softened with rich butter, every spoonful transports you to chilly winter nights around the dinner table. Whether you're serving it alongside a warm baguette or enjoying it on its own, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles and comfort to all.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned tomatoes
4 cups (whole or crushed (or 8-10 fresh peeled and chopped))
Tomato juice
2 cups (mix with vegetable broth)
Vegetable broth
2 cups (50/50 mix with tomato juice)
Basil leaves
8 leaves (finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil))
Cream
1 cup (heavy cream)
Unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the canned tomatoes and the tomato juice with vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
After simmering, transfer the soup to a blender. Add the chopped basil and blend until completely smooth. For a finer texture, strain the soup through a sieve.
3
Return the pureed tomato basil mixture to the saucepan over low heat. Gradually stir in the cream and butter, allowing them to melt and blend into the soup. Be careful not to boil.
4
Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Once everything is heated through, serve the soup hot in bowls.
5
Garnish with additional basil leaves or a drizzle of cream if desired, and enjoy this comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tomato Basil Bliss Soup?
It is a comforting, bistro-style soup made with rich tomatoes, fragrant basil, heavy cream, and butter.
Is this Hearty Tomato Basil Bliss Soup vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 cups of canned tomatoes with 8 to 10 fresh tomatoes that have been peeled and chopped.
What if I don't have fresh basil leaves?
You can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead of the 8 fresh leaves.
How long should the tomato mixture simmer?
The mixture of tomatoes, juice, and broth should simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for vegetable broth, mixed 50/50 with tomato juice.
What kind of cream should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of heavy cream for a luscious, creamy texture.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
How do I get the soup perfectly smooth?
After simmering, blend the soup in a blender and then strain it through a sieve for a finer texture.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream and the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, provided your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, though it is best to freeze the soup before adding the cream and butter to prevent separation when reheating.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of cream.
How should I reheat the soup?
Reheat it gently over low heat on the stove, making sure not to let it boil once the cream and butter are added.
Can I add garlic or onions?
While not in the base recipe, you can certainly sauté garlic or onions in butter before adding the liquids for extra depth.
What goes well with this tomato basil soup?
It pairs perfectly with a warm baguette or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is a mild and sweet soup, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, adjusted to your personal taste.
Why shouldn't I boil the soup after adding the cream?
Boiling can cause the heavy cream to curdle or separate, affecting the smooth texture.
Can I use an immersion blender?
Yes, an immersion blender can be used directly in the saucepan instead of a traditional blender.
How do I prepare the butter for the soup?
The 8 tablespoons of butter should be cut into small pieces so they melt evenly into the mixture.
How long does it take to make?
It takes about 30 minutes of simmering plus prep and blending time, totaling around 45-50 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled for larger groups as long as you use a large enough saucepan.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as a comforting winter recipe for chilly nights.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe falls under the Vegetable and Soup categories.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of tomato juice.
Do I need to peel the fresh tomatoes if I use them?
Yes, peeling them is recommended to ensure the soup remains smooth after blending.
Can I use dried basil?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of dried basil is a perfect substitute for the 8 fresh leaves.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.