Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul and satisfies your taste buds. This creamy and comforting soup features fresh basil, making it perfect for cozy winter meals or gatherings with family and friends. It’s not just a treat for the palate; it’s also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of crushed tomatoes and fresh basil creates a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a starter, main dish, or pair with a sandwich for a full meal.
- Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly days, this soup brings comfort in every spoonful.
- Healthy Option: Packed with tomatoes and herbs, it’s a nourishing choice for any meal.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is simple, but having the right tools makes the process even easier. Here are some essential tools to have on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is crucial for hands-off cooking. Set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for achieving that smooth, creamy texture without transferring hot soup to a blender.
Ingredients
A creamy and comforting tomato soup with fresh basil, perfect for a cozy winter meal.
For the Base
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Flavor
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic while measuring out your crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Add the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Allow all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Once cooked, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup hot, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: A tangy sourdough loaf provides a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds a savory flavor that complements the soup.
- Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your tomato basil soup.
With Fresh Toppings
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds a rich, salty flavor to each bowl.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Garnishing with whole basil leaves enhances both taste and presentation.
- Croutons: Crispy croutons add texture and crunch, making each bite more interesting.
As Part of a Meal
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic pairing is a favorite for good reason—it’s comforting and satisfying.
- Salad: A light garden salad can balance the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
To make your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil can elevate the flavor significantly compared to canned options.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or herbs based on personal preference.
- Blend Well: For a really smooth texture, blend the soup thoroughly until there are no chunks left.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or thyme for an earthy note.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooey cheese melts beautifully alongside the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons provide a refreshing counterpoint.
- Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, quinoa salad brings texture and protein to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: These hearty peppers make for a filling side that complements the soup’s flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized enhance the dish’s overall warmth.
- Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad can be a nice contrast to the warm soup and offers different flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup can be easy, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Skipping the Fresh Basil: Using dried basil instead of fresh can reduce the soup’s flavor. Always opt for fresh basil when making this recipe.
- Not Blending Enough: Failing to blend the soup well may leave it chunky. Use an immersion blender until smooth for the best texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup with salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Taste before serving and adjust accordingly.
- Overcooking or Undercooking: Cooking on high for too long can scorch the soup, while undercooking may not allow flavors to meld. Stick to recommended cooking times.
- Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Subpar tomatoes will affect the overall taste. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 4–5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing flavor.
Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat for 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop them, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust cooking times.
How do I make my soup spicier?
To add heat, consider including red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for a spicy kick!
What can I serve with Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy delight that warms the soul. It’s versatile enough to customize with additional ingredients like vegetables or proteins. Try it today and enjoy comforting flavors that are perfect for any chilly day!
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that offers the ultimate comfort on chilly days. This easy-to-make soup combines the rich taste of crushed tomatoes with aromatic fresh basil, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. With minimal preparation and hands-off cooking, you can set it in the morning and return to a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Combine all ingredients except cream and basil in the crockpot; stir gently.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 62mg
