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Creamy Fresh Tomato Basil Soup Best Garden Harvest Recipe

creamy fresh tomato basil soup - featured image

This creamy fresh tomato basil soup captures the essence of a summer garden. Roasting the tomatoes concentrates their sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness, creating a velvety texture without needing a ton of cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh tomatoes (about 68 large), halved
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 45 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash tomatoes and cut in half (quarter if very large). Place cut-side up on a large baking sheet. Add chopped onion and smashed garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat and spread into a single layer.
  2. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tomatoes are soft, slightly wrinkled, and starting to caramelize; onions are translucent and golden; garlic is soft and fragrant.
  3. Transfer roasted vegetables and all juices to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat. Add packed basil leaves. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender (remove center cap, cover with a towel to let steam escape). Return pureed soup to pot.
  5. Place pot over low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and optional red pepper flakes. Heat through without boiling. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of cream, fresh basil, and black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Notes

Don’t skip roasting the tomatoes—it concentrates flavor and adds depth. Add cream at the end over low heat to prevent curdling. Season in layers: salt and pepper at the start and adjust at the end. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer; for thinner, add more broth. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or soaked cashews blended with broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, fresh tomato soup, garden harvest, summer soup, easy soup recipe