Description
This creamy tomato soup recipe offers a rich and satisfying blend of fresh tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese, balanced perfectly by the addition of heavy cream. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this comforting soup is ideal for a cozy meal and pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced)
- 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two 28-oz cans, preferably San Marzano, with their juice)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more to serve)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (or added to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or to taste to combat acidity)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a nonreactive pot or enameled Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, chopped basil, sugar, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, partially cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in small batches, blending carefully to avoid spills, then return the pureed soup to the pot over medium heat.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Return the soup to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once warmed through, turn off the heat.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- This recipe adds Parmesan and heavy cream to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a luxuriously rich soup.
- The soup can be served chunky or blended smooth based on preference.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it great for meal prep.
- For a classic pairing, serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 344 g
- Calories: 222 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 422 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
