Oh, soup! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly day? I just *love* curling up with a warm bowl, and this Tomato Basil Soup with Heart‑Shaped Croutons is my absolute go-to. Seriously, this recipe is pure happiness in a bowl. You get that rich, savory tomato and basil flavor, and then… *heart-shaped croutons*! They’re so cute and crunchy; it’s like a little extra love with every spoonful.
I remember making this with my grandma, giggling as we cut out the perfect hearts. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or even just because. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. This recipe’s been a family favorite for years, always bringing smiles and warmth to our table. You’re gonna LOVE this one, I just know it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Tomato Basil Soup with Heart‑Shaped Croutons
Okay, let me tell you why this soup is just the *best*. First off, it’s a breeze to whip up – seriously, the hardest part is waiting for it to simmer! The flavor? Oh my goodness, the tomato and basil combo is a classic for a reason, and it’s just so delicious.
And the heart-shaped croutons? They make every bowl extra special. Plus, it’s totally vegetarian-friendly! So quick, tasty, and pretty – what’s not to love? Trust me, this soup will become a new favorite real quick!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Tomato Basil Soup with Heart‑Shaped Croutons
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple it is. First up, the soup itself. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil. Then, get yourself 1 onion, chopped (I like a big one, because flavor!). Also, 2 cloves of garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference! We’re talking 2 (28 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes. A couple big cartons of vegetable broth, maybe around 4 cups is perfect. And finally, some fresh basil leaves, about 1/2 cup for the soup and a little extra for a pretty garnish. Don’t forget salt and pepper, to your taste!
Now, for those adorable heart-shaped croutons! You’ll need 4 slices of your favorite bread, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a dash of salt. That’s it! See? Seriously easy!
Let’s Make the Tomato Basil Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This soup is seriously simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a big pot of cozy deliciousness in no time. I’ll walk you through it, so don’t you worry!
Preparing the Tomato Basil Soup Base
First up, grab your pot and pour in the olive oil. Turn the heat to medium – be careful, you don’t want it *sizzling* hot! Add your chopped onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it gets nice and soft. That should take about 5 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, until fragrant. Careful, garlic burns fast!
Simmering and Blending the Tomato Basil Soup
Next step: pour in those crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir, and bring it all to a gentle simmer. That’ll take about 15 minutes. Now for the amazing part: add in the fresh basil leaves, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer and do its thing, that’s where all the flavors meld together. Once the timer dings, use an immersion blender to get that soup super smooth. And there you have it, almost ready!
Crafting the Heart-Shaped Croutons
While that soup’s busy simmering, let’s make the heart-shaped croutons! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grab your bread slices and a heart-shaped cookie cutter (you can find these at any craft shop). Cut out those adorable little hearts! Toss them gently with the olive oil and salt, making sure they’re all nicely coated. Spread them on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until they’re golden brown and perfectly crispy. And there are croutons! Just wait until you taste them, they are a game changer with this soup.
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Tomato Basil Soup with Heart‑Shaped Croutons
Okay, friends, let’s make sure this soup is *amazing*. First off, use the best ingredients you can get! Those good quality crushed tomatoes make a massive difference. Now, when you’re simmering the soup, don’t rush it! Let those flavors meld together properly. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes (patience, my friends!).
For the heart-shaped croutons, watch them *carefully* in the oven – you don’t want them to burn! And finally, presentation matters! A swirl of extra basil, and those cute croutons on top? That’s what makes this soup really pop. Trust me – everyone will love it!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Tomato Basil Soup
Alright, let’s chat about those ingredients, because a few little tweaks can make a *huge* difference in this soup! First up, those crushed tomatoes. You can absolutely use different types, like fire-roasted for a smoky flavor, or even a blend! Just make sure they’re the crushed kind, not diced. Next: the basil! Fresh is *key* for the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, dried basil works too – use about a teaspoon of dried basil per tablespoon of fresh, just to be safe. Also, the broth! Vegetable broth is the star here, but chicken broth gives it a different flavor if you prefer.
You can also use low-sodium broth to reduce the salt!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Tomato Basil Soup
Okay, now for the best part – what to serve *with* your amazing soup! Honestly, this Tomato Basil Soup goes with *everything*, but some pairings take it to the next level. You *have* to try it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese with that warm, rich soup is just pure comfort food bliss! Oh, and crusty bread is awesome, too – perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious flavors. Or, if you want something a little lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always fantastic. Trust me, you can’t go wrong!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Tomato Basil Soup
Okay, so you made a big batch? Smart cookie! This Tomato Basil Soup is *perfect* for leftovers. Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days – although, honestly, it never lasts that long at my house!
You can also freeze it! Let it cool, then put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, just until it’s warmed through. It’s truly amazing that this soup tastes just as good, even reheated!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Soup
Okay, I know you’ve got questions! Don’t you worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common things people ask about this Tomato Basil Soup. I’m all about helping you make the most delicious soup possible, so let’s get to it. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe, but I know we all have questions! So ask away!
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for my Tomato Basil Soup?
Hmm, that’s a good question! You *can*, but I don’t totally recommend it. The crushed tomatoes give you a smooth, creamy texture that’s amazing. With diced tomatoes, you’ll get chunks, which changes the overall vibe. If you *have* to use them, go for it! Just maybe blend it a bit afterwards to get closer to that perfect, silky texture. I love smooth soup, what about you?
How can I make my Tomato Basil Soup creamier?
Oh, this is a fun one! So, for a creamier soup, you have a couple of options – both delicious! The easiest is to just stir in a splash of heavy cream or even some coconut milk at the end. It’ll give it that lush, velvety feel. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a dollop of sour cream when you serve it. Yum! No matter what you choose, its sure to be a hit!
Can I freeze Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream! Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label it, of course! It’ll be good in the freezer for a good 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop and you are good to go!. Then, enjoy! What a great way to save some soup!
Nutritional Information for Tomato Basil Soup with Heart‑Shaped Croutons
Okay, real quick, let’s talk about the numbers. Keep in mind that this is just an *estimate*, because your ingredients and brands can REALLY change things up. This info is based on the servings stated in the recipe. So this is what you *can* expect
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Tomato Basil Soup with Heart-Shaped Croutons
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting tomato basil soup recipe with homemade heart-shaped croutons.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the croutons: 4 slices of bread, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, make the croutons. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bread into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Toss bread hearts with olive oil and salt.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and heart-shaped croutons.
Notes
- You can use store-bought croutons if you’re short on time.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
