• About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Recipe Index

Main Navigation

  • Recipe Index
  • About

The Forked Spoon

Eat Healthy • Adventure Often

  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Salads
  • Soups
  • Sides
  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • By Diet

Home » Soup + Stew » Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
August 5, 2022
4.91 from 93 votes


Last Updated August 5, 2022 | 36 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

20.0K shares
jump to recipe
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Pinterest Pin Collage Image
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Pinterest Pin Collage Image
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Pinterest Pin Collage Image

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup made with roasted tomatoes, fresh garlic, lightly caramelized onions, and fresh basil. So delicious and easy to make all year long using your favorite fresh or canned tomatoes. Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Image of two white bowls filled with homemade tomato basil soup garnished with red chili flakes and fresh basil.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Everyone has their own favorite version of tomato soup. For some, it’s rich and creamy, while others may prefer a fresher, lighter soup made with roasted tomatoes. Some people prefer homemade, while others will forever swear by their favorite brand of canned tomato soup.

If you ask me, this is probably my favorite. Light and fresh but certainly not lacking in flavor, it’s smooth, delicious, and perfectly simple. 

It’s also homemade.

Made with yummy garden-fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes, olive oil, flavorful garlic, onions, and fresh basil, you know exactly what you’re getting when you enjoy a bowl of this fresh tomato soup. 

What Types of Tomatoes Should I use for Tomato Soup?

Tomato soup can be made with any type of tomato – fresh or canned (crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, etc.)! I love to use a combination of canned tomatoes with fresh oven-roasted tomatoes for maximum flavor, but this is simply a suggestion, not a rule.

Image of two white bowls filled with homemade tomato basil soup garnished with red chili flakes and fresh basil and served with a side of buttery bread.

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup

1. Roast the tomatoes and garlic: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast the tomatoes for approximately 45 minutes for Roma tomatoes or 20 for smaller cherry tomatoes.

2. Cook the onions: Cook the onions in a little olive oil and butter on the stovetop for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes would be even better).

3. Add the canned tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, broth, granulated sugar, and red chili flakes to the soup pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add the roasted tomatoes. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

4. Blend: Work in batches to carefully blend the soup using a blender or an immersion blender.

5. Return the soup to the soup pot and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, crunchy croutons, or a splash of fresh cream, if desired.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Follow the instructions provided above. After the soup has been blended and returned to the soup pot, combine one tablespoon of tomato paste with a ladleful of the hot soup in a bowl. Whisk well to combine the tomato paste with the hot soup. Next, add the desired amount of heavy cream to the bowl and mix well to combine. Stir the creamy tomato mixture into the soup pot. Cook over low heat until ready to serve.

Collage of four images showing the steps in making Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to roast the tomatoes?

No. However, roasting tomatoes in the oven helps to sweeten and caramelize the sugars in the tomatoes, making them even more delicious! Cherry tomatoes are the sweetest, but also the smallest and most expensive, so unless you are growing your own and have a ton to spare, I recommend using Roma or plum tomatoes.

How long should I cook the onions?

For best results, cook the onions for at least 15 minutes. For even better flavor, however, allow your onions to cook at least 25 minutes or so.

Why add sugar to tomato soup?

Sugar helps curb the acidity of the tomatoes. You’ll notice that nearly all store-bought soups or sauces contain sugar (usually much more than just one teaspoon). The point of sugar, in this case, isn’t to sweeten the soup, so no need to add more than a teaspoon.

How many tomatoes would I need if I only wanted to use fresh tomatoes?

I recommend doubling the total amount of fresh tomatoes (a total of 8 pounds).

How long will leftover tomato basil soup last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, leftover tomato basil soup will stay good for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Image of a large white Dutch oven filled with blended homemade Tomato Basil Soup.

How to Serve

My favorite way to enjoy any tomato soup recipe is with a buttery grilled cheese sandwich. When this isn’t an option, crusty bread with butter is a fantastic alternative.

More Delcious Soup Recipes,

  • Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • Leek and Potato Soup (dairy-free)
  • Minestrone Soup
  • Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
  • Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
  • Matzo Ball Soup
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Image of a white bowl filled with cooked and blended homemade tomato basil soup garnished with red chili flakes and fresh basil.

Have you tried making this tomato basil soup recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes. I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

White soup bowl filled with homemade tomato basil soup.

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

4.91 from 93 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Homemade Tomato Basil Soup made with roasted tomatoes, fresh garlic, lightly caramelized onions, and fresh basil. So delicious and easy to make all year long using your favorite fresh or canned tomatoes. Vegetarian and gluten-free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 10 mins
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 198 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 pounds plum tomatoes - (Roma tomatoes) halved lengthwise
  • 6 cloves garlic - peeled
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon salt - divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter - (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 onions - sliced
  • 56 oz whole peeled tomatoes - 2 (28 oz) cans, juices reserved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves - plus more for serving
  • 3½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth - or water, chicken broth, or chicken stock, plus more, as needed
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - optional
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes - plus more, if desired or less if you're sensitive to spicy food
  • heavy cream or coconut milk - for serving, optional
  • croutons or crackers - for serving, optional
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Roast the tomatoes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice each tomato in half lengthwise and place them on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Add the whole garlic cloves to each baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer your tomatoes to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 45 minutes (Roma tomatoes) or 20 minutes (cherry tomatoes). Tomatoes are ready when the skin is tender and begin to burst.
  • Cook the onions. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until they start to brown and caramelize. Reduce to medium heat if onions start to burn. Stir often.
  • Add the tomatoes. Add the canned tomatoes, fresh basil, broth, sugar, and red chili flakes to the pot. Bring to a low boil then reduce heat to low, and simmer until the tomatoes in the oven have finished roasting. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes to the pot with their juices, and return to a simmer.
  • Simmer. Simmer the soup uncovered and over low heat for approximately 20 minutes. 
  • Puree. Work in batches to carefully blend the homemade tomato soup in a high-speed blender. Avoid over-blending (especially if you have a Vitamix or Blendtec which will turn your soup into a watery liquid rather than a luxurious soup). You may also use a handheld food processor (immersion blender).
  • Season and serve. Return the soup to your soup pot and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, crunchy croutons, or a splash of fresh cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Jessica’s Notes

If you prefer not to add canned tomatoes, I recommend doubling the total amount of fresh tomatoes. The easiest way to peel tomatoes (should you prefer not to roast all of the tomatoes) is to place them in a pot filled with boiling water for approximately 30 seconds or until the skin starts to wrinkle. Transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and allow them to sit for 3-4 minutes, or until chilled. The tomatoes should still be very firm, with the skin wrinkly and starting to peel off. Continue to peel the skins off with your hands.
Can this soup be frozen for later use? I have not personally tried to freeze this soup, however, several readers have commented that it is wonderful even after freezing and reheating. Note: freeing is not recommended if cream or dairy is added to the soup prior to freezing.
How spicy is this soup? I think this depends on how sensitive you are to red chili flakes. If you know that you, or someone in your family, are sensitive to spicy foods, perhaps leave the red chili flakes out, or start with less.
Optional garnishes: red pepper flakes, fresh basil, heavy cream, coconut milk, parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, crackers.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1192mg | Potassium: 1280mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 3195IU | Vitamin C: 69.5mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 3.7mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Homemade Tomato Basil Soup, Homemade tomato soup recipe, tomato basil soup, Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

Originally posted January 2016

Three year old boy helping with tomato basil soup photoshoot.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

20.0K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Rhonda Watson says

    January 11, 2023 at 1:43 pm

    The ingredients lists 56 oz whole peeled tomatoes – (28oz) cans, juices reserved
    I did not see any instructions on adding reserved tomato juice in the instructions.
    Do you add it or at a later stage or drain tomatoes to add to this recipe?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      January 11, 2023 at 2:44 pm

      Please see the very end of step 3 in the recipe card above 🙂 :

      ”
      Add the oven-roasted tomatoes to the pot with their juices, and return to a simmer.
      “

      Reply
  2. Dani Smith says

    November 17, 2021 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    I LOVE this recipe. Always find myself coming back to it when the weather gets chilly. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      November 17, 2021 at 5:22 pm

      I always come back to this one as well Dani – thanks for the feedback and rating 😀

      Reply
  3. Kristin says

    September 25, 2021 at 6:39 pm

    Can this recipe be canned??

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      September 26, 2021 at 7:19 am

      I have not tried to can this recipe Kristin, but I don’t see why not 🙂

      For anything canning, I always recommend the following the best canning practices for food safety.

      Reply
  4. Liz wilson says

    February 8, 2021 at 4:59 am

    5 stars
    Making more of your tomato soup, family love it and am adding just a few more chillie flakes , that bite really makes the soup special

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      February 8, 2021 at 7:45 am

      I am happy to hear your family loved it Liz 🙂

      Reply
  5. Beth says

    January 27, 2021 at 10:34 am

    A pinch of baking soda will cut the acidity better than sugar. Also healthier. A tip learned from a native Italian.

    Reply
  6. Liz Wilson says

    January 26, 2021 at 12:57 am

    5 stars
    Best tomato soup ive ever made !!! Love itliz

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      January 26, 2021 at 8:19 am

      Thanks for the best feedback Liz 🙂

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

Reader Favorites

  • Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola. Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl
  • Perfect, clear, beef bone broth in a large stockpot. Bone Broth Recipe (How to Make Bone Broth)
  • Bok Choy being cooked in a wok with a spoonful of garlic sauce 10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
  • White bowl filled with homemade chicken soup. The Best Chicken Soup Recipe
  • A large white bowl filled with creamy potato salad and garnished with chopped parsley. Easy Creamy Potato Salad Recipe
  • A close up of a bowl Chimichurri Chimichurri Recipe (How to Make Chimichurri Sauce)
Logo of The Forked Spoon by Jessica Randhawa
The Forked Spoon has been featured on Yahoo, CountryLiving, MSN, Cosmopolitan, USA Today, and Parade
  • About
  • Browse Recipes
  • Contact
  • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2023 · The Forked Spoon LLC • Disclosure