30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup

This Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup is a hearty, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich tomato-basil flavor, caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from carrots, this soup is comforting and satisfying. It’s made even creamier with Silk Light Original Almondmilk, making it a lighter, dairy-free option that still delivers a creamy texture. This soup is ideal for quick lunches or casual dinners, ready in under 30 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced very small

  • 1 large sweet Vidalia onion, diced small

  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 (28-ounce) cans San Marzano tomatoes, whole, peeled (do not drain)

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth

  • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, packed (about 2 handfuls), plus more for garnish

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, optional, to taste

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional, to taste

  • ½ to 1 cup Silk Light Original Almondmilk (or other unsweetened non-dairy milk)

Directions

  1. Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add diced carrots and onions, cooking for about 7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Stir intermittently.

  2. Add Garlic and Oregano: Add garlic and oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Add the tomatoes (with juices), water or broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat.

  4. Blend Soup: Carefully transfer half of the soup mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, taking breaks to let the steam escape. Repeat with the remaining soup mixture.

  5. Simmer and Add Milk: Return the blended soup to the pot, add the bay leaves, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in almond milk and sugar (optional) to taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

  6. Serve: Remove bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional basil and croutons if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 185 per serving

  • Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 11g

    • Saturated Fat: 1g

  • Sodium: 437mg

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sugar: 13g

Why Choose Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup?

This tomato basil soup is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly nourishing. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, making it a rich source of vitamins and fiber. The addition of Silk Light Original Almondmilk creates a smooth and creamy texture without any dairy, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter option.

In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this delicious soup, which is ideal for quick lunches, casual dinners, or even as a starter for a larger meal. It’s a comforting bowl of warmth that’s perfect for any time of year, and its rich tomato flavor makes it universally loved by both adults and kids alike.

The Simple Ingredients that Make it Delicious

The ingredients in this soup are simple but come together to create a vibrant, hearty, and well-balanced dish:

  • Olive Oil: The olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, giving the soup a rich, savory base.

  • Carrots and Sweet Vidalia Onion: The carrots provide a touch of sweetness that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, while the sweet Vidalia onion brings a mild, caramelized flavor that deepens the soup’s taste.

  • Garlic and Oregano: Garlic and oregano add depth and warmth to the flavor profile. The oregano particularly complements the tomatoes, enhancing the classic Italian flavor of the soup.

  • San Marzano Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are known for their natural sweetness and low acidity, making them the perfect base for a tomato soup. Their rich flavor helps create a more balanced and smooth soup.

  • Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that elevates the entire dish. Basil is the perfect herb for pairing with tomatoes, giving the soup that classic, comforting taste.

  • Silk Light Original Almondmilk: The almond milk helps achieve a creamy texture without any dairy. It’s light but still gives the soup a velvety consistency.

  • Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and bay leaves are used to enhance the flavors, while granulated sugar (optional) can balance out any acidity from the tomatoes.

  • Cayenne Pepper (optional): A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a mild kick of heat if desired.

How to Make Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup

This easy-to-make soup is prepared in just a few simple steps, ensuring you get a rich and creamy tomato basil soup in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots and Vidalia onions, cooking for about 7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Stir intermittently to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Oregano

Once the carrots and onions have softened, add the garlic and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously until fragrant. The garlic will release its aroma, and the oregano will infuse the vegetables with an earthy, warm flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Liquids, and Basil

Add the canned San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices), water or vegetable broth, fresh basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. After the soup begins to boil, turn off the heat.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Carefully transfer half of the soup mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth, being cautious of the hot steam. It’s important to let the steam escape as you blend to avoid a messy spill. Repeat with the remaining soup mixture. Blending the soup creates that creamy, smooth texture that is characteristic of tomato basil soup.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Milk

Return the blended soup to the pot. Add the bay leaves and allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in Silk Light Original Almondmilk and, if desired, granulated sugar to taste. The almond milk makes the soup creamy without any dairy, and the sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar as desired. Once the seasoning is to your liking, remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the soup with freshly chopped basil and serve hot. You can also add croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan (dairy-free or regular) for extra flavor and texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is not only comforting but also healthy. With just 185 calories per serving, it’s a light option that can be enjoyed without guilt. The soup offers 22 grams of carbohydrates, with 5 grams of fiber to support digestion and keep you feeling full longer. The 18 grams of protein per serving come primarily from the almonds in the almond milk and the tomatoes, making it a satisfying meal.

The fat content is 11 grams per serving, with only 1 gram of saturated fat, thanks to the use of olive oil and almond milk, both of which provide heart-healthy fats. The soup also offers a good amount of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the carrots, antioxidants from the tomatoes, and a rich supply of vitamins from the basil.

Customizing Your Soup

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

  • Creaminess: If you want an even creamier soup, you can add more almond milk or even a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture and flavor.

  • Herbs: If you prefer a different herb, try adding a bit of thyme, rosemary, or even tarragon for a unique flavor twist.

  • Vegetables: For a more veggie-packed soup, consider adding other vegetables like celery, zucchini, or spinach. These can be sautéed along with the carrots and onions for added nutrients and texture.

  • Spicy Version: For those who like a bit more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the soup to give it an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions for Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup

This tomato basil soup is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

  • Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing! Make a dairy-free grilled cheese using plant-based cheese or traditional grilled cheese for a comforting meal.

  • Crusty Bread or Toast: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast to dip in the creamy soup.

  • Salads: Pair with a light green salad, such as a spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the soup.

Conclusion

Easy 30-Minute Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect dish for those looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. Its rich tomato-basil flavor, creamy texture, and comforting warmth make it an ideal dish for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or casual dinners. With the added benefit of being dairy-free and made with simple ingredients, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides, it’s a meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy this vibrant, heartwarming soup in just 30 minutes!

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