Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Sweat aromatics

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the diced onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8–10 minutes. Do not allow browning.

Add garlic and paste

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly — this deepens the tomato flavor.

Add tomatoes and stock

Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juices. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into chunks. Add the stock, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

Simmer

Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the vegetables to become fully tender.

Add basil

Remove the pot from heat. Add the packed cup of fresh basil leaves to the pot.

Blend until smooth

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and silky, about 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender (do not overfill), blend until smooth, and return to the pot. Be cautious with hot liquids.

Adjust texture and finish

Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cold butter to enrich and round the soup. Rewarm gently over low heat for 3–5 minutes — do not boil once cream is added. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Drizzle a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil over each bowl, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan if desired, and garnish with 2 fresh basil leaves per bowl. Finish with a crack of freshly ground black pepper to taste.

This soup is designed to be served without crackers; consider serving with a simple side salad or toasted garlic crostini if preferred by guests (optional).