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Monday, May 16, 2011
Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil
From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Whatever the season, I like to include soup among the dishes I serve for brunch. Sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's cold, but it's always there and served in clear glass mugs. That means chunky soups are out and clear or cream soups are the order of the day. For the brunch today, I settled on an old favorite that many of you are already familiar with. Three or four years ago, Nordstrom's tomato soup was wildly popular with food bloggers. I tried the soup at that time and really like it. It's had a place on my table ever since. It's fast and easy to make and it really is delicious. The original recipe made enough soup to feed a platoon, so I've cut way back on the ingredients to produce a quantity better suited to the needs of today's smaller families. I know those of you who try this recipe will love it, but I have some suggestions to offer before you actually begin to make the soup. Use the best ingredients you can get your hands on. That means a really fruity and fragrant olive oil and San Marzano plum tomatoes, if they are available in your area. Resist the urge to replace the heavy cream with a lighter dairy product. The cream is what sets this apart from a standard cream of tomato soup and this is a case where going large really makes a difference. If you're watching calories, and I always am, opt for a cup rather than a bowl of the soup to help keep the scales in balance. If you use a processor to chop the vegetables, you can have this ready to cook in ten minutes. You can have it on the table withing an hour. If you are preparing the soup for a company meal, it can be made well ahead of time. Simply omit the cream and add it at the time you reheat the soup for serving. My recipe will feed four to six people, but it can be doubled or tripled if you are expecting a gang. Here's the recipe.
Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Nordstrom's Cafe
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
Pinch of sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
1 (28-oz.) can whole Italian tomatoes in puree
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil leaves
Directions:
1) Warm oil in a 4 to 5 quart saucepan set over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, sugar and dried basil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add broth and tomatoes with puree and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
2) Remove from heat. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade. An immersion blender may also be used. Return pureed soup to saucepan, add cream and place over medium heat. Warm until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into a warmed soup tureen or individual bowls, garnish with the basil leaves and serve immediately. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
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I absolutely looove cream of tomato soup with basil. I make another version of this and it is something I prepare everytime I have guests over. It's filling and simple and easy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you- no chunky soups!
What a treat! I love cream tomato soup but never tried it with dried basil. This colour is so inviting and refreshing! Have a great day Mary and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCheers
I have a bumper crop of gorgeous basil, but the only way to get heavy cream is to pay through the nose for a sickeningly small amount of it imported from Belgium. Ugandans have no idea how to deal with dairy products! What can I substitute for cream? Would plain whole milk work somehow?
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop my mouth from salivating....
For me, tomato soup is allways a winner.
ReplyDeleteThis version of yours sounds delicious ;)
Tomato and basil, what a great combo!
ReplyDeleteI cook a lot of soups for lunch, it's simple, healthy and filling!
ReplyDeleteIt looks just perfect!So simple, refreshing and aromatic!I love the combination of tomato and basil!Have a nice week,dear!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds delicious and I can actually have it! (Low sodium diet)
ReplyDeleteTomatoes and basil are a match made in heaven; your soup is a must try as soon as our basil can be planted and producing.
ReplyDeleteRita
Lovely soup, a bit like an Italian passato di verdure, since it has so many veggies in it :-). And of course the basil is a winner!
ReplyDeleteHave a good week
ciao
Alessandra
Mary-
ReplyDeleteThis soup looks so good. The weather here has been crazy, 90's for a few days and now in the 50's. Can't wait to make this.
That look amazing! But that pizza below won my heart! Its most def right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteThis is my sister's favorite soup! I'll have to direct her to this entry!
ReplyDeleteYuuuummmmmmm.... Tomato Basil is one of my favorites! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, what a great soup, it looks perfect!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day,
kisses:)
This is a soup my whole family will love. I adore soup and love the idea of having it as a brunch option in mugs.
ReplyDeleteI do too always enjoy soup. Tomato soup is one of my favorite espacially with some basil add to it. Have a good day Mary!
ReplyDeleteI love a good reliable tomato soup recipe Mary!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovelly colours Mary!!!Loved the photo...
ReplyDeleteKiss
Rita
One of my favorite versions of Tomato Soup! I've made it at home but love it for lunch at Nordstrom's Cafe even better when I am schlepping tons of shopping bags :)
ReplyDeleteThis soup makes me want to go (or run) and make a grilled cheese sandwich! You are brining back memories now! Cold winter day, dunking crispy toast into a warm creamy soup!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully warm soup... The colour and the addition of basil makes it so heart-warming:)
ReplyDeleteReva
Yes, Mary! This is another winner. Creamy and smooth and tomatoey.....ummmm.
ReplyDeleteMary, this looks absolutely delicious. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI'm always on the look out for a yummy new tomato basil soup! Seems I just can't have enough of this delicious flavor combination. Yours looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh yes - the San Marzano tomatoes would just elevate this soup. And while I often substitute cream - sometimes you just don't. As in this case.
ReplyDeleteTomato soup is the original comfort food!
ReplyDeleteThat soup look luscious particularly in that bowl. yummy.
ReplyDeleteI have tried a couple of homemade soups and most of the family has enjoyed them, but Ian is not a huge fan. I think he may like your version though, and I can't wait to try it! Katie loves taking soup to school, and this would be perfect for lunch. Thanks for the recipe Mary! Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so very good and I have made my copy. I think this may appear on my dinner menu sometime this week since we are experiencing some cooler temperatures right now. Pared with a salad and it will be a light dinner. Looking forward to trying this recipe especially since I have lots of fresh basil in my garden right now.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn/A Southerners Notebook
WOW this sounds wonderful and since we are having cold weather it would be perfect!
ReplyDeleteA nice cream of tomato soup always hits the spot for me, any day, any time. This looks comforting and so delicious, Mary.
ReplyDeleteLove basil leaves in soup,wonderful bowl of delicious soup..
ReplyDeleteYour tomato soup reminded me of the one I usually make, but with I roast the veggies instead of boiling them. The presentation is, as always, flawless. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteEven before I read your recipe, I starred the post in my Google Reader. I've been looking for a good tomato soup recipe, and I know I can rely on your recipes! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is not only one of my favorites but also a feast for the eyes. There is just no comparison between freshly made cream of tomato and that canned stuff, although I must admit on occasion I open a can for lunch. The addition of fresh basil just rounds things off perfectly.
ReplyDeleteA lovely soup, Mary. Interested to see the carrots in it. Yours is a lovely creamy version too. Will be making this next winter. I'm on to cold soups for a while now. :)
ReplyDeletePaul and Kilby, I am unable to get to your site, so I'll have to answer here. If you must, of course use milk. It will lack the richness of cream, but it will work. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteI love tomato soups of any kind, but this one looks incredible, those colors are just amazing! Have a great Monday Mary!
ReplyDeleteI loooove tomato soup! Never tried Nordie's version. When I am home in So Cal. My Aunt Edna always takes me shopping at Nordstrom (she spoils me) and we get salads and a glass of wine for lunch at the cafe. Next time I will soup it!
ReplyDeleteI love tomato basil soup. This looks like a great one.
ReplyDeleteMary, The soup looks terrific and I love the recipe (totally agree about using real San Marzano tomatoes), but I would have left in a few chunks.
ReplyDeleteGreat comfort food especially during cold rainy weather... yummm
ReplyDeleteThis soup looks perfect! The bowl you have it in is adorable, too!
ReplyDeleteLove the flavor of basil in the soup..looks inviting.
ReplyDeletehi mary, i think i wld love this too, will save this recipe for future reference, thnks!
ReplyDeleteI love a good creamy soup, especially if it involves my favorite summer flavors of tomato and basil! This sounds luxurious!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite comfort foods!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the very nice comment on my site. I'm new to yours too, but I'll be adding you to my Google Reader. You have a beautiful, clean layout and wonderful pictures.
I love how you garish your soups. They look so beautiful! I should do that more often to celebrate life :) Have a great day Mary!
ReplyDeleteHow creamy and delicious, Mary! This and a slice of that blueberry pie sounds like heaven!
ReplyDeleteHugs & Happy Blessings,
Tammy
Ohhh that is my number one favorite soup in the world! I cannot seem to find San Marzono Tomatoes do you you have to go to a specialty store?
ReplyDeleteThis soup looks delectable! Love the color!
ReplyDeleteI never prepare tomato Soup, I have to start it!!! Nice to visit your blog again...hugs and blessings, Flavia
ReplyDeleteI love soups, and you're right, the ingredients make all the differences.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very delicious bowl of soup served in a very beautiful bowl and plate too! And I am so drooling over those pies!
ReplyDeleteI've never actually had this soup! It looks so delicious. The words "creamy" and "tomato" are some of my favorite when used together :)
ReplyDeleteI love the color! Ok there's heavy cream in it, but it looks really smooth!
ReplyDeleteMe encanta muy rico y besos
ReplyDeleteThis tomato soup would be perfect today. We're having rain, again. Ugh! When will the dry season ever come.
ReplyDeleteI used to make tomato soup from Campbell's as a child all the time but haven't made it in a while. I want to try this soon.
What a color, I am love this with one. Home made is always perfect than the store bought ones.
ReplyDeleteWe always enjoy our soup served in a mug, also! Your Cream of Tomato is perfect for this week that promises to have many showers.
ReplyDelete~Judy
It's perfect soup weather here now. I just need to convince my kids to like it.
ReplyDeleteI love a great tomato soup.
Two of my favorite things here, tomatoes and basil. Sounds delicious. Can't wait to try it. Thanks so much for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a lovely soup, it looks and sounds absolutely delicious -
ReplyDeleteMary
What a nice soup! It's so cold in SF and I would love a cup of this soup. I always like this kind of soup and yours just look perfect. You inspired me to make it soon! By the way, congrats on Foodbuzz feature!
ReplyDeleteOhh, I'm saving this for next time I'm in the mood for grilled cheese - a match made in heaven!!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors in this photo. This looks like such a great recipe. I really like the touch of basil.
ReplyDeleteYour Cream of Tomato Soup looks beautiful, Mary! Using, as you say, the best ingredients, I'm sure it tastes fantastic, too!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of tomato soup! This looks absolutely delicious! It is sooo cold today in Ohio, I wish I had some right now! Thanks for the link love Mary! :)
ReplyDeletetomato and basil go SO well together. i love this soup, i could eat this any time of the year.
ReplyDeleteI love cream of tomato soup! Adding basil just makes it that much better. Yours looks lovely, Mary!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Mary! Such vibrant colors!! I have had Nordstroms' tomato soup but didn't realize the recipe was available-- which is great. Its so good and I can't wait to make this!
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, One of my favorite soups. Blessings, Catherine
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the cream does make all the difference. I love tomato basil soup. I'm sorry I have been so absent these past few weeks. It has been so good to return to you and your lovely blog! Thank you for sharing with me tonight. I hope you have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteHuh. I missed out on this recipe a few year ago, because I wasn't blogging them. I'm so glad you brought it to my attention. I love to make soups. I just copied it and will add it in for a light lunch, sometime soon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLight and refreshing, the basil sounds so good :)
ReplyDeletecon el frío de otoño suelo tomar muchas sopas y en especial de tomates ,se ve muy linda y rica la que has preparado,fácil y te quedó estupenda,abrazos y bendiciones.
ReplyDeleteoh so delicious! and your photos are so nice!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous soup - tomato and basil are perfectly suited.
ReplyDelete:-) Mandy
This is comfort food for me. My mother had cream of tomato soup waiting for me after a long day of playing out in the snow accompanied by grilled cheese. I'll have to give this recipe a try! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI love cream of tomato soup! Yours looks absolutely mouth-watering... A nice grilled cheese on the side, and I'd be all set to chow down! Delicious! :D
ReplyDeleteHi,Mary
ReplyDeleteI was away on vacation and missed many of those bites and sips.
This looks so tempting,thick and creamy.And such a lovely color.
Paul and Kilby, I am unable to link to you so I'll have to answer here. Use milk if you must, but use full fat if it is available. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteOh, yum. There is something so wonderful about a simple bowl of cream of tomato soup!
ReplyDeleteLOL I love how your posts one and two years back on this day were both glazed tarts. Talk about coincidence huh ;)
ReplyDeleteI love cream of tomato soup with basil. The two flavors are just meant for each other!!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to make this soup! We've been ordering a rendition of it at a favorite local restaurant and I can't get enough of it. Thanks so much for the recipe, Mary!
ReplyDelete~ Sue
This soup is so delicious! I've tried so many different ones, and this is the easiest and tastiest by far- just what I like. Thank you!!
ReplyDelete