A cold weather classic in 30 minutes
Tomato soup is indisputably one of the best cold-weather comfort food dishes. Though there are many delicious adaptations, I'm rather partial to this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup. It combines pantry staple roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hearty splash of cream to create a simple and delicious classic that comes together in 30 minutes or less.
What kind of tomatoes are best to use?
Though freshly roasted tomatoes are delicious in the peak of tomato season, cold months are not the ideal time to take advantage of them. Though I'm happy to cook with tomatoes year-round on a smaller scale, a dish like this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup, where tomatoes are the star, is best made with tomatoes at the highest peak of flavor.
The good news? Canned tomatoes are generally preserved at the peak of the season, ensuring that you get the most flavor in each can as possible. I prefer to use a combination of diced and crushed fire-roasted canned tomatoes for this recipe, though fire-roasted whole tomatoes make for an easy swap if you have an immersion blender to help break up the tomatoes.
What tools do you need to make this recipe?
- a cutting board
- a chefs knife
- a large soup pot or dutch oven
- a wooden spoon for stirring
- a soup ladle for serving
Are you looking for an upgrade to your kitchen tools or looking to replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and my pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.
What to serve with this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup
If you're craving a little something extra to dip into this lovely soup, a classic grilled cheese sandwich or crunchy baguette are both obvious choices and can be made gluten-free, if needed. If you're feeling extra indulgent, these savory gluten-free Pumpkin Pasties (filled with pumpkin, sausage, herbs, gruyere, and cheddar) are especially delicious served with this soup.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, absolutely! This soup is fantastic made in advance and reheated for several days. When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this soup should keep for up to 4 days.
Reheating can be done in a soup pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For smaller portions, reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2 minutes, stir, and heat at additional 30-second intervals as needed.
A note for special diets
This Chunky Tomato Basil Soup is grain-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and can easily be made friendly for Low-FODMAP, Paleo, Whole30, Vegetarian, and Vegan diets with a few easy swaps.
For Low-FODMAP diets, garlic-infused olive oil makes an easy swap for high-FODMAP garlic cloves. Green onions (top parts only) make a great swap for high-FODMAP sweet onions. Lactose-free swaps for the heavy cream are outlined in the section below.
For Paleo and Whole30 diets, you'll want to make sure you utilize a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream (options below).
For Vegetarian diets, you'll want to use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth. For Vegan diets, you'll want to swap for vegetable broth and utilize a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream (options below).
Lactose-free swaps:
I have yet to find a lactose-free heavy cream, but have had great success swapping the heavy cream in this recipe out for lactose-free half & half. You can also use lactose-free milk in a pinch but it won't be nearly as creamy. Butter is generally already very low-lactose, but if you are very sensitive ghee can be used instead.
Dairy-free swaps:
You can swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk and the butter for additional olive oil.
Chunky Tomato Basil Soup
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews, Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chunky Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious classic that comes together in 30 minutes or less and easily adaptable for Paleo, Low-FODMAP, and Whole30 diets.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee
- 2 tbsp garlic oil -OR- 2 tablespoon olive oil + 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup green onion tops, chopped -OR- 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (may sub vegetable broth)
- 1 (28 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (may sub 1 cup lactose-free half & half or 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup basil, chopped
- optional: parmesan and additional basil to top
Instructions
- Heat butter and garlic oil (or olive oil + minced garlic) in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once butter is melted, add onions. If using green onions, allow them to cook for 1-2 minutes before proceeding to the next step. If using sweet onions, allow to cook for around 5 minutes until fragrant and beginning to caramelize.
- Add broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Allow to come to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste for salt and adjust if needed. Stir basil in just before serving. Top with parmesan and additional basil if desired.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 309
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 697
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 67
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
It's like you read my mind, I've been craving tomato soup lately and this looks extra good!
Stacey Crawford says
Simple & delicious! The fire-roasted tomatoes really bring the flavor to a whole new level 🙂
Dana says
This. is. PERFECTION. Grilled cheese and tomato soup has always been the perfect lunch combo in my mind. Adding all of that fresh basil would be hella invigorating. And a great excuse to make tomato soup throughout the summer! This is such a fab way to use up your summer bounty. I always have so much basil.
jennifer says
i love tomato soup every which way . . . and yours looks like it could take top prize in my life! Lol, going to make a bowl this week . .. we are expecting another cold front, so perfect!
Amanda says
You are so right -- there's nothing like tomato soup on a warm night, and your particular recipe is delicious! Couldn't be a cozier meal. Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene says
This soup look very comforting. It's calling my name. they are so much better.
Rebecca Blackwell says
This soup is exactly the kind of thing I CRAVE this time of year. It's warm, creamy and simple to make. I served it just like you have pictured here - with grilled cheese sandwiches - and it was delicious!
Anna says
One of my favourite combos, tomatoes and basil! I'm all about the soups at this time of the year, they are just so comforting, especially on a cold day! Your photos made me feel all cosy, and I really crave some soup now!
Zuzana says
What a great invention. This is what I need right now.
Leslie says
PERFECTION. I'm not sure there's anything else left to say about this. It's perfect!
Gloria says
This is comfort food at the top of it's class. The classic soup is soooooo good. Perfect for all these cold days. I would love to wrap my hands around a bowl of this any night of the week. Soup is a staple during the winter...and this will be put in the rotation.
Candice says
I saw this GORGEOUS soup on Instagram and knew I had to make this recipe. It is so wonderfully flavorful, the chunkiness is the best texture ever, and everyone loved it! Can't wait to make it again... and maybe even as a Thanksgiving first course!
Don Baiocchi says
I love the idea of a chunky tomato soup and your toppings make this even better!
Michelle says
Mmmmn, I love homemade tomato soup. This is beautiful. I like that you left this chunky! If you use the right kind of tomatoes, canned tomatoes make a great soup. Thanks for your tips.
Erin says
This looks delicious for a chilly night! Love that you used canned tomatoes-- time-saver!
Jacque Hastert says
Tomato soup is such a fall staple at our house. I can't wait to make this chunky tomato basil soup it sounds simply amazing!
Kelly says
This soup is so delicious and satisfying!
ChihYu says
So delicious and comforting! I love the chunky and creamy textures!
Raia Todd says
Mmm... looks like comfort food! I love those huge flakes of Parmesan on top! Gorgeous. 🙂
Carina S says
Soup looks very filling and hearty, lovely to have some texture in soups.