SaveTomato Basil Soup
Velvety smooth tomato soup with fresh basil. The grilled cheese's best friend.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $8.00 · $1.33/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 56 oz canned whole San Marzano tomatoes (two 28-oz cans)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (packed leaves)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook diced onion 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp unsalted butter1 large yellow onion4 cloves garlic - 2
Add tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Crush tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes.
56 oz canned whole San Marzano tomatoes2 cup vegetable broth1 tsp sugar1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1/4 tsp red pepper flakes - 3
Add fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth. (Or carefully blend in batches in a regular blender.)
1/2 cup fresh basilIf using a regular blender, leave the lid slightly cracked to vent steam and hold a towel over the top.
- 4
Stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil leaves.
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pairs With
Italian red with bright acidity
Low tannins and high acidity mirror the tomato's brightness
Bavarian wheat beer
Soft and bready, like dunking bread in the soup
Vodka, tomato juice, celery, spices
Tomato meets tomato — double down on the theme
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •San Marzano tomatoes are worth the extra cost — they're sweeter and less acidic.
- •A pinch of sugar balances tomato acidity without making the soup sweet.
Substitutions
- heavy cream → coconut cream for dairy-free and vegan
- fresh basil → 2 tsp dried basil (add with tomatoes)
- San Marzano tomatoes → any canned whole peeled tomatoes
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for 4 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
