Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, this creamy soup combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with fresh basil, making it a go-to option for family dinners or gatherings. This easy recipe allows you to prepare a wholesome meal with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the magic.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh basil and tomatoes creates a deliciously vibrant taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter, main dish, or pair it with grilled cheese for a classic combo.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for blending the soup to achieve that creamy texture without transferring it to another container.
Ingredients
A creamy and comforting tomato soup with fresh basil, perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Main 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
How to Make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by adding the following ingredients into your slow cooker:
1. Crushed tomatoes
2. Diced onion
3. Minced garlic
4. Vegetable broth
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process will enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in:
1. Heavy cream
2. Chopped fresh basil
3. Dried oregano
4. Salt and pepper
Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting dish with crusty bread or your favorite sandwich!
With these steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup ready to warm up your day!
How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s creamy, comforting, and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a satisfying texture.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an added rich flavor.
Accompanied by Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- A classic pairing! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup’s creaminess perfectly.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and reduces dishwashing!
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds an elegant touch to your bowl.
Garnished with Fresh Basil
- Adding whole basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top offers a vibrant color and fresh aroma.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
To make your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup even better, consider these tips. They’ll help you achieve maximum flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly compared to canned alternatives.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth slightly or add more heavy cream.
- Blend Thoroughly: For a smooth texture, blend until completely creamy using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add Extra Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your taste preference for a well-balanced soup.
- Include Veggies: Add diced carrots or bell peppers during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider that will complement your meal.
-
Garlic Bread
Perfectly toasted with garlic butter, this savory treat is ideal for dipping in your creamy tomato soup. -
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the soup nicely. -
Caprese Salad
The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil enhances the Italian flavors of your meal. -
Cheesy Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the soup. -
Stuffed Peppers
These nutritious veggies filled with rice and spices make an excellent hearty side option alongside your soup. -
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables are not only healthy but also bring out wonderful flavors that complement tomato basil soup. -
Cornbread Muffins
Sweet and moist cornbread muffins offer a delightful twist that pairs beautifully with tomato-based dishes. -
Pesto Pasta Salad
A chilled pesto pasta salad adds another layer of flavor while providing a refreshing side dish experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup can be easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned: Canned crushed tomatoes provide a smoother texture and richer flavor. If you prefer fresh, be sure to roast or cook them first.
- Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to bring out the flavors.
- Blending too early: Blending the soup before it’s cooked can prevent the flavors from developing. Wait until the cooking time is complete for the best results.
- Not using enough basil: Fresh basil is key in this recipe. Use a generous amount, and add some at serving time for extra freshness.
- Overcooking on high heat: Cooking on high can lead to a watery consistency. Opt for low heat for a thicker and creamier soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While you can use dried basil, fresh basil provides a brighter flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount by half.
How do I make my soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry or blending more of the soup after cooking.
What can I serve with Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give it a try this winter for a warm and delightful meal!
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights, offering a creamy texture and rich flavors that will warm your soul. This easy-to-make recipe combines crushed tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and onion to create a delightful bowl of comfort. Perfect as a starter or paired with grilled cheese, this soup lets your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy your day. Plus, it’s healthy, freezer-friendly, and simple enough for any home cook!
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
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
