Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Slow Cooker

$To make this creamy tomato basil soup, you'll need: - 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a rich and savory base. The crushed tomatoes bring a deep flavor. The onion and garlic add aroma and taste. Use fresh basil for a bright finish. You can enhance the soup with these optional ingredients: - Parmesan cheese for serving - Red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tang These add-ins can give your soup a unique twist. Parmesan adds creaminess and umami. Red pepper flakes bring warmth if you like spice. If you're looking for dairy-free or vegan options, consider these swaps: - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk - Omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version These swaps keep the soup creamy and delicious. Coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness while being dairy-free. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup without worry! First, gather all your ingredients. You will need two cans of crushed tomatoes, one chopped onion, and three minced garlic cloves. Measure three cups of vegetable broth and set aside a teaspoon of dried oregano. Don’t forget the teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper for taste. You should also prepare a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk and a cup of chopped fresh basil. Lastly, grab two tablespoons of olive oil. Next, take your slow cooker and pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir in the vegetable broth, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Then, drizzle in the olive oil. This will help bring out the flavors. Now, it’s time to cook your soup. You can choose between two settings: low or high. If you pick the low setting, let the soup cook for 6 to 8 hours. This slow method allows the flavors to blend well. If you’re in a hurry, use the high setting and cook for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, the soup will be tasty! After cooking, you need to blend your soup. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker. Blend until the soup is creamy and rich. If you like some chunks, blend only half the soup. This adds texture and makes each spoonful interesting. Finally, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the chopped basil. Let it sit on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes to combine all the flavors. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil soup! To boost the taste of your creamy tomato basil soup, think about adding more herbs. Fresh or dried thyme, for example, pairs well with tomatoes. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick. Don't forget to taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor. If you have extra soup, store it right! Let it cool, then place it in a container. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. This soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. Freezing your soup is easy and smart! Pour the cooled soup into freezer bags. Lay them flat for easy stacking. When you want some, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the soup seems thick, add a bit of broth or water to adjust the texture. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! {{image_2}} Want to add some heat? You can easily spice up your creamy tomato basil soup. Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño. This small change brings a kick that pairs well with the creamy base. If you want more spice, try adding a splash of hot sauce before serving. This twist keeps things exciting and warms you up on a cold day. You can boost the nutrition and texture of your soup by adding veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Dice them small so they cook well. Add these vegetables at the start with your other ingredients in the slow cooker. They will soften and blend beautifully with the tomatoes. This way, you get extra flavor and vitamins in every bite. What goes well with creamy tomato basil soup? A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic choice. You can also serve it with a light salad for a fresh contrast. If you want something crunchy, try toasted bread or crackers. These sides help balance the soup's creaminess. You can mix and match to find your perfect pairing! To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work well. They let you see the soup inside. You can also use plastic containers, but ensure they are safe for food. Label the containers with the date. This helps you track freshness. You can store creamy tomato basil soup in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it cools before sealing it in a container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen soup lasts about 3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion. When you reheat your soup, use a pot on the stove. Heat it over medium heat for even warming. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 10-12 medium ripe tomatoes. Start by blanching them in boiling water for about a minute. This makes peeling easy. Once peeled, chop them and add to your slow cooker. Fresh tomatoes give a bright flavor, but they can be watery. You may want to reduce the broth slightly for a thicker soup. To thicken your soup, try these methods: - Add more cream or coconut milk for richness. - Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. - Blend more of the soup to create a smooth base. - Add cooked rice or small pasta for extra body. Each option adds a different taste and texture. This soup pairs well with many sides. Consider these options: - Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo. - A fresh garden salad for a light touch. - Crusty bread or breadsticks to soak up the soup. - Garlic bread for an extra kick. Each option adds a nice balance to the meal. In this blog post, I shared how to make creamy tomato basil soup. You learned about essential ingredients, optional add-ins for flavor, and substitutions for a dairy-free option. We covered steps to prepare and cook the soup, tips for enhancing the flavor, and storage advice for leftovers. I also shared variations like spicy twists and vegetable additions. Experiment with your own ideas to make the recipe your own. Enjoy this comforting dish anytime!$

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Slow Cooker

A rich and flavorful tomato basil soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 oz each)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
Once the soup is cooked, blend it with an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half.
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the chopped basil leaves. Mix well and let it sit for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat to combine the flavors.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, drizzled with a bit of olive oil or topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Keyword basil, slow cooker, soup, tomato, vegetarian