Middle-Winter Creamy Tomato (Print-Friendly Version)

This creamy tomato soup highlights canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic for a cozy, warming dish perfect for the heart of winter. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a keeper.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 medium carrots, diced
04 - 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

→ Tomato Base and Seasoning

05 - 4 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - Up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or a generous pinch dried thyme
09 - 2 cups vegetable stock or broth
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
11 - Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Creamy Finish

12 - 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and cook stirring occasionally until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using; cook 1–2 minutes until mixture becomes fragrant and tomato paste deepens in color.
02 - Add basil leaves, thyme, vegetable stock or broth, and crushed tomatoes if using. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partially cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are completely tender.
03 - Working in batches, transfer soup carefully to a stand blender, filling only two-thirds full each time. Remove the center cap from blender lid and cover opening with a towel. Blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
04 - Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, milk, or plant milk of choice. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Ladle into individual bowls. Garnish with cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and additional fresh basil as desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For best texture and flavor, blend the soup thoroughly until creamy. Use high-quality canned tomatoes if substitution is needed.

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