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The Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe EVER! | Stovetop + Instant Pot + Crockpot

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a rich, velvety bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this delightful concoction blends the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a symphony of flavours that will warm both body and soul. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best creamy tomato basil soup recipe ever, covering three convenient methods: stovetop, Instant Pot, and Crockpot. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For All Methods

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) canned tomatoes (whole or diced), preferably San Marzano
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of sugar for sweetness
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Stovetop Method

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavours to meld for about 20 minutes.

3. Blend and Cream: Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. You can also transfer the soup to a blender in batches if you don’t have an immersion blender. Once blended, stir in the heavy cream and add the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Instant Pot Method

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat the olive oil and add the diced onion, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

2. Pressure Cook: Add the canned tomatoes and broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

3. Release and Blend: Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

4. Serve: Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup garnished with fresh basil and a slice of crusty bread.

Crockpot Method

1. Combine Ingredients: In the insert of your Crockpot, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, canned tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Stir to mix everything well.

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. Blend and Add Cream: Once the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil and accompanied by crusty bread for that perfect meal.

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Tomato Selection: For the best flavour, opt for quality canned tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are renowned for their sweetness and depth of flavour.
• Fresh vs. Dried Basil: While dried basil works in a pinch, nothing compares to the vibrant flavour of fresh basil. If using fresh, add it just before serving for a burst of colour and taste.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or add a splash more cream for richness. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the speedy Instant Pot method, the reliable stovetop approach, or the easy-going Crockpot solution, this creamy tomato basil soup is sure to impress. Pair it with a slice of warm sourdough or a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that sings with flavour and comfort. So gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the best creamy tomato basil soup EVER! Enjoy!