Smoky Tomato Basil Soup: A Cozy and Flavorful Delight
Indulge in the irresistible aroma and velvety texture of our smoked tomato basil soup, a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to a cozy and flavorful haven. This recipe seamlessly blends the richness of fire-roasted tomatoes with the fragrant notes of fresh basil, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly day or seeking to impress your guests with a show-stopping appetizer, this smoked tomato basil soup is the answer. Its versatility and depth of flavor make it a beloved staple in households across the globe.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Aside from its irresistible taste, this smoked tomato basil soup boasts a number of features that set it apart. The combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil creates a delightful contrast of textures, with the silky, velvety soup complemented by the vibrant, herbaceous notes of the basil. Moreover, the recipe is incredibly accessible, with most ingredients being readily available in your pantry or local grocery store.
What’s more, this soup can be easily prepared in advance, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or dinner parties. Simply reheat and serve, and your guests will be left marveling at your culinary prowess. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a sophisticated starter, this smoked tomato basil soup is sure to exceed your expectations.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Smoky Tomato Basil Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
The beauty of this smoked tomato basil soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, creamy broth, and fresh basil creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made tomato soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Smoky Tomato Basil Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
• Step 3: Pour in the cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including the juices, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Step 4: Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Step 5: Remove the soup from heat and carefully transfer it to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
• Step 6: Return the pureed soup to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative) and the chopped fresh basil. Heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional tomato soup which can take up to an hour to prepare, this smoked tomato basil soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 640mg
These comforting bowls of soup provide approximately 25% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 15% of your daily vitamin A needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the cream and blend in 1/2 cup of roasted cauliflower for a creamy texture with fewer carbs.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free milk alternative and use a neutral-flavored oil instead of butter.
• Added protein: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked lentils or white beans for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add 1 cup of roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the smoked tomato basil soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, seasonal salad
• For a light dinner, serve alongside a quinoa or farro dish
• Create an appetizer platter with small servings of the soup, along with crostini and a selection of toppings like roasted red peppers or toasted pine nuts
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not blending the soup thoroughly: For the best texture, make sure to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Leaving it chunky can result in an uneven mouthfeel.
• Forgetting the fresh basil: The fresh basil is essential for balancing the richness of the tomatoes and cream, so don’t skip this important ingredient.
• Overcooking the soup after adding the cream: Once the cream is incorporated, be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle or separate.
• Not tasting and adjusting seasoning: Be sure to taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking before serving.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These smoked tomato basil soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, checking and stirring every 30 seconds until warmed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This smoked tomato basil soup is an excellent make-ahead option. Once the soup is prepared, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I substitute the tomatoes with fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes. You’ll need about 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. For the best flavor, you can roast the tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes before adding them to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
To make this soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, instead of heavy cream. You can also omit the cream altogether for a lighter, dairy-free version.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your smoked tomato basil soup turns out thicker than you’d like, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or milk/dairy-free alternative, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend in a small amount of water or additional broth to achieve the perfect velvety texture.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the soup?
Absolutely! This smoked tomato basil soup is highly versatile and can be easily customized. You can stir in cooked lentils or white beans for extra protein, sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritional boost, or even roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor twist. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
These smoked tomato basil soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight meal or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, they’re sure to impress with their rich, velvety texture and smoky-sweet aroma. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cozy soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the blending process. So, gather your loved ones, warm up a bowl of this delectable smoked tomato basil soup, and savor the comforting flavors that will have you coming back for more.
