This vegan tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any season. With its rich, velvety texture and vibrant taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Made with fresh tomatoes and basil, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
If you don't usually keep fresh basil leaves in your kitchen, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe as it adds a unique, aromatic flavor that dried basil cannot replicate. Additionally, make sure you have a good quality vegetable broth on hand, as it forms the base of the soup and greatly influences the overall taste.
Ingredients For Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the base of the soup.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Tomatoes: The star ingredient, giving the soup its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Vegetable broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, enhancing its savory profile.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor that elevates the soup.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to cook them until they are translucent and fragrant, but not browned. This will ensure a sweeter and more delicate flavor in your soup. Additionally, when adding the fresh basil leaves before blending, tear them by hand instead of chopping to release more of their natural oils and enhance the aroma and taste of the soup.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle, pleasant flavor to the soup.
Onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the soup.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a more delicate and sweet flavor compared to garlic, adding a different depth to the soup.
Tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, though the soup will have a different taste profile.
Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a rich, umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.
Basil leaves - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh and citrusy flavor, though it will change the traditional taste of the soup.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, providing depth to the soup.
Pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, which can enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soup
How to Store / Freeze This Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
- Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well.
- For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, using a microwave-safe bowl and stirring halfway through the heating process.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to enhance the flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method:
- Pour the leftover soup into a pot.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the soup is heated through, serve hot.
Microwave method:
- Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Ensure the soup is evenly heated before serving.
Double boiler method:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
- Place the soup in the top pot.
- Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through.
- Serve hot, enjoying the gentle reheating process that preserves flavor.
Slow cooker method:
- Pour the soup into the slow cooker.
- Set to low heat and cover.
- Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the soup is hot, ladle into bowls and serve.
Best Tools for This Recipe
- Pot: used to heat the olive oil and cook the soup ingredients
- Wooden spoon: ideal for sautéing the onion and garlic without scratching the pot
- Knife: essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and tomatoes
- Cutting board: provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables
- Measuring spoons: ensures accurate measurement of olive oil
- Measuring cups: used to measure the vegetable broth and tomatoes
- Blender: used to blend the soup until smooth
- Ladle: helpful for serving the hot soup into bowls
How to Save Time on Making This Soup
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, garlic, and tomatoes ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use an immersion blender: Instead of transferring the soup to a blender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to save time and reduce cleanup.
Preheat the pot: Start heating the olive oil while you chop the vegetables to cut down on waiting time.
Batch cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Vegan Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 cups Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- 2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- 3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- 4. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- 5. Add fresh basil leaves, then blend the soup until smooth.
- 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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