This creamy tomato basil soup comes together in no time at all in just one pot. It has a rich tomato flavour along with hints of basil. Canned tomato soup is such a classic and just perfect for a comforting lunch.
Wondering what to have for lunch? I know I always am…along with breakfast, dinner and snacks in between, lol. Homemade tomato soup is always a favourite!
Seriously, though, you could satisfy that little hunger bug by whipping up a batch of this creamy tomato soup in under 25 minutes using pantry staples.
The base of this homemade tomato soup is canned tomatoes.
Sometimes canned or frozen products can get a bad rap. But if you buy a quality brand, it’s all good if you ask me!
Since tomato is the predominant flavour here, you don’t want to cheap out and buy just any ol’ can. And always opt for the ‘whole’ variety. Then, just crush or blitz ’em yourself.
Somewhere along the line, I remember Lidia Bastianich saying that whole is best (versus, say, crushed), so who am I to argue with an Italian chef icon??
Years ago my younger brother and I lived together while going to university.
Of course, being students, we were mindful of our budget when we went grocery shopping.
I remember him being so excited when he spotted cans of concentrated tomato soup on sale for, like ,$0.29/can.
He starting going like a crazy person, loading up the cart like it was no tomorrow. I’m sure he picked up a couple dozen cans. Yeah, that much.
I still tease him to this day whenever I see tomato soup on sale in a flyer. I’ll usually take a snap and text it to him, just for a laugh. It’s one of those memories that sticks with me and makes me chuckle when I think about it.
So, this tomato soup may not be quite as inexpensive as that concentrated tomato soup variety…but it tastes so much better.
Looking to make things even more substantial? Enjoy this canned tomato soup with grilled cheese!
How to Garnish Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Of course, this canned tomato soup recipe is totally delicious on its own, but if you want to gild the lily here, go for it!
Garnish options are –
- Basil olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (or goat cheese or crumbled feta for something a little different)
- Drizzle of balsamic reduction
- Drizzle of cream
There’s no going wrong with any of those garnishes, in my opinion! What’s your fave?
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More Recipe Tips
I used ‘whole’ peeled tomatoes with basil. I prefer the whole variety and blitz them up myself. Get the best quality canned tomatoes you can get your little hands on.
Tinned tomatoes can vary in salt content. Before you add the salt to this recipe, taste first and season how you like it.
Similarly, I used ‘unsalted’ veggie broth in this recipe. If you use a regular variety, you may not need to add additional salt. Do whatever works for your taste buds!
Creme fraiche was used for this tomato soup, but if you don’t have that on hand heavy cream works lovely too.
Like things a little creamier? Feel free to add more creme fraiche or heavy cream than what the recipe details.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you are doing meal prep for the week ahead.
This soup freezes well (great for meal prep).
Other Easy Soup Recipes You May Enjoy
- Lentil Kale Soup
- Curried Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup
- Asparagus Spinach Soup
- Roasted Cauliflower and Leek Soup with Cheddar
- Or check out these 20 soup and sandwich recipes
Hope you love this creamy tomato basil soup as much as we do!
Until next time, take care and chit chat again soon,
Dawn
Make this canned tomato soup? That’s awesome! Love it if you left a comment below. Many thanks!
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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon basil or regular olive oil (Plus more for garnish if you want)
- 1 yellow onion , peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 796 millilitre can whole peeled tomatoes ('San Marzano' variety is great here)
- 2 cups unsalted vegetable broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream (depending on how creamy you want things. You can add more if you like things more creamy).
Suggested Garnish
- fresh basil (to taste)
- basil oil (to taste)
- grated parmesan (to taste)
- balsamic or balsamic reduction (to taste)
Instructions
- In a dutch oven or medium sized pot on medium heat add olive oil.
- Cook onion about 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook one minute.
- Stir in basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomatoes and broth, bring to simmer, cover ajar and cook 10 minutes.
- Stir in creme fraiche (or heavy cream). If you want it more creamy, stir in a little more.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until soup is smooth. Portion and garnish as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- I used ‘whole’ peeled tomatoes with basil. I prefer the whole variety and blitz them up myself. Get the best quality canned tomatoes you can get your little hands on.
- Tinned tomatoes can vary in salt content. Before you add the salt to this recipe, taste first and season how you like it.
- Similarly, I used ‘unsalted’ veggie broth in this recipe. If you use a regular variety, you may not need to add additional salt. Do whatever works for your taste buds!
- Creme fraiche was used for this tomato soup, but if you don’t have that on hand heavy cream works lovely too.
- Like things a little creamier? Feel free to add more creme fraiche or heavy cream than what the recipe details.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you are doing meal prep for the week ahead.
- This soup freezes well (great for meal prep).
Nutrition (estimate only)
This is my kind of soup! I’m imagining a steaming bowl with a grilled cheese sandwich…my kind of comfort food!
Mine too! Now I’m hungry 😉 Thanks Marissa!
Dawn, this soup looks so delicious! Love the balsamic garnish!
Thank you Kelly! Me too 🙂
One of my favorites! I can’t get over that luxurious color! This was a go-to with grilled cheese, of course, in my younger days…need to make that combo happen soon! Have a great week, my friend! XOXO
Thank you Annie! Have a great week too 🙂 XOXO
I love (!) a good tomato basil soup. There is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a bowl of homemade tomato soup. I agree with you about canned tomatoes, too! I can’t say that I’ve ever bought an entire cartload full of canned tomatoes, but I’ve definitely gone overboard on deal shopping before. (Don’t ask how many boxes of cereal are in my pantry right now. Haha.) This soup sounds delicious, and the basil olive oil is the perfect addition! Pass me a bowl…and a grilled cheese sammich!
Lol…cereal can be quite popular in our home too! Yes, this soup + a grilled cheese would be divine 🙂 Thanks David!
Tomato soup takes me back to my childhood. The canned variety was a staple in our house, and there was nothing better than a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich! I haven’t bought a can of tomato soup in years, and usually make my own now when I have the craving. I use canned tomatoes as well, but didn’t know that whole ones were better quality. I’ll have to remember that the next time I make it! Thanks for sharing Dawn!
It really is an old school classic, isn’t it?? Thanks Leanne 🙂
What a beautiful soup! Tomato soup is one of my favourites. Can’t wait to try this one 🙂
Thanks Jennifer 🙂 Enjoy!
To me, the balsamic reduction is NOT optional! Is there anything that doesn’t benefit from a little hit of vinegar? This soup sounds fabulous and I could go for a huge bowl right now–despite the fact that I’m still full from yesterday :). Have a great weekend, Dawn!
Haha – that’s why we’re friends 😉 Thanks Kelsie!
Homemade tomato soup is the best! I love how you’ve transformed a few simple ingredients into a wonderful soup. This would be perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD TOMATO SOUP. SO FUNNY ABOUT YOUR BROTHER GOING CRAZY OVER CANNED TOMATO SOUP, LOL GREAT RECIPE!
wow this soup is delightful I bet, the color is amazing to very appetizing and the touch of the basil oil makes it even tastier
This is one of my favorite soups!!!! I need a bowl now!
This soup recipe looks so creamy and comforting! Would be great paired with grilled cheese sandwich! Yum!
It is SOOO frigid here in PEI that. I’m going make a batch of tomato soup to help warm up! Paired with a good old fashioned grilled cheese its my daughters favorite!