Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. If using whole tomatoes, break them up with a spoon.
- Add basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend partially for a chunkier texture.
- Stir in heavy cream if desired and heat gently.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Roasting fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic before cooking adds deeper flavor.
- Add a small pat of butter at the end for extra richness.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil and skip the cream or add coconut milk.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Simmer longer or add extra tomato paste to thicken the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg