Tangy, creamy, and nostalgic. Heirloom tomatoes kick this tomato basil soup recipe up a notch by adding layers of amazing flavor.
The cream and balsamic vinegar add even more layers of flavor and a few basil leaves add a sweet, fresh twist.
As far back as I can remember, tomato soup has found itself poured into one bowl after the other, never far from me when I really needed it.
There was always a bowl when I had a cold, and always a mug of it on cold winter days. When I was feeling down that I wasn’t put in the soccer game – again – my mom could bring me a few ladle-fulls of the sweet, warm soup.
On summer days, even as I lay drenched in sweat, I begged for a big bowl of tomato soup and a plate stacked high with grilled cheese sandwiches. And if I was really sick, and couldn’t keep even sprite, bread, or rice down, I’d convince myself that tomato soup was the trick. It never was. But it was worth a try.
This isn’t that heated up can of tomato soup. This is tomato soup kicked up a notch – a really big notch.
Cream, Lemon, and Balsamic in this recipe are used as seasonings of sorts. Just enough cream is used to smooth out the flavors and add a creamy back to the tangy tomatoes.
Lemon juice helps cut the sharp flavors in the soup and round everything out. And balsamic vinegar adds a savory, salty, and sweet bite.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups heirloom tomato puree
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar plus more for drizzle
- ½ cup cream
- 2-5 drops lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat, until melted. Add the onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and celery are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth and tomato puree and mix together well. Bring the mixture to a slow simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and cream. Season with the lemon juice, and salt and pepper to your liking.
- Before serving, toss a few basil leaves on top. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich, skewered over the bowl as well if desired.
Nutrition
Other soup recipes:
- Italian Bean Soup Recipe [Zuppa di Fagioli con Crostino]
- Easy and Delicious Farro and Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Authentic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Easy Tuscan Bean Soup Recipe
- Minestrone alla Napoletana Recipe