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- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this soup, the main ingredients play a big role in the flavor. Start with two cans of crushed tomatoes. They give the base a rich taste. Next, use one medium onion, finely chopped. This adds sweetness and depth. Three cloves of minced garlic bring a punch of flavor. Vegetable broth is key here. You need two cups to help blend all the tastes. The cream is what makes this soup creamy. You can use either heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Dried basil adds a nice herbal note. One teaspoon is enough. A little sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Make sure to add salt and pepper to taste for extra flavor. Finally, drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil on top. This adds richness and helps the soup blend well. Don’t forget fresh basil leaves for garnish! They make the soup look pretty and add a fresh taste. - Combining in the Slow Cooker: Start by adding two cans of crushed tomatoes to your slow cooker. Next, chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. Add both to the tomatoes. Pour in two cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried basil and one teaspoon of sugar. Now, stir everything well to mix the flavors. - Adding Olive Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This step enhances the taste and makes the soup rich. - Cooking Time and Setting Options: Cover your slow cooker. You can cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. Cooking slowly helps the flavors blend perfectly. - Ensuring Flavor Development: Check the soup after the cooking time. The longer you cook it, the better the flavors develop. This slow cooking method gives you a deep, rich taste. - Using an Immersion Blender: Once your soup is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be careful with hot liquids! - Adjusting Creaminess and Seasoning: After blending, return the soup to the slow cooker. Stir in one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures every bite is delicious. To get that smooth, creamy soup, blending is key. After cooking, use an immersion blender. This tool lets you blend right in the slow cooker. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular blender. Just be careful and blend in small batches. If you want a dairy-free soup, try coconut cream. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Almond milk is another option, but it may be thinner. Adjust the amount to get your desired texture. For a lovely presentation, serve the soup in warm bowls. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. You can drizzle extra cream over the soup for a nice touch. A sprinkle of black pepper also enhances the look. Pair this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A grilled cheese sandwich goes perfectly too. This combo brings warmth and comfort to any meal. {{image_2}} You can change up this creamy tomato basil soup to fit your taste. Adding more vegetables is one simple way to do this. Try adding chopped carrots or diced celery. Both add flavor and texture. You can also boost the nutrition by adding protein. Chickpeas work well in this soup. They add a nice creamy texture and protein. If you want meat, shredded chicken is a great choice. It adds heartiness to the soup. Want to make your soup even tastier? Experiment with spices. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. If you like herbs, try adding oregano. This spice adds depth to the flavor. The broth you use can also change the taste. You can swap vegetable broth for chicken or beef broth. Each type gives a different flavor profile. Chicken broth adds a savory taste, while beef broth makes it richer. To keep your creamy tomato basil soup fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any bacteria growth. Store it in the fridge. - Duration for Freshness: Your soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the flavor and texture can change. Freezing your soup is a great way to save it for later. Here’s how to do it right: - Tips for Freezing Soup: Use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. You can also freeze it in smaller portions. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need. - Reheating Methods After Freezing: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave or stovetop. If the soup is too thick after thawing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Stir well and heat until warm. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! To do this, you need about 4-6 medium tomatoes. First, peel and chop them. You can blanch them in boiling water for easier peeling. Then, crush them with your hands or a fork. Add them to the slow cooker just like you would the canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes will give your soup a brighter taste. To add heat, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. - Mix in some diced jalapeños or serranos. - Use spicy vegetable broth instead of regular broth. These ideas will make your soup warm and exciting without overwhelming the flavors. Absolutely! To make this soup vegan: - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. - Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. - You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps let you enjoy the same creamy texture while keeping it vegan-friendly. This blog post covered how to make a rich tomato basil soup. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfection. You learned about customization options, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Making this soup can be fun and rewarding. With your creativity, you can turn it into a meal that suits you. Enjoy every bite of your homemade soup!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up your evenings with this delightful Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup! Simple to make with crushed tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and creamy goodness, it's a cozy dish everyone will love. Just combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work! Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is ready in just a few hours. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, dried basil, and sugar. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

    Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

        Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

          After blending, return the soup to the slow cooker and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.

            Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 8 hours | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. You can also drizzle a little extra cream on top for a beautiful finish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch!