Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a warm and inviting dish that brings comfort to any meal. With its creamy texture and fresh basil flavor, it’s perfect for cozy winter nights or casual gatherings. This easy-to-make soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to enjoy it as a starter, a main course, or even paired with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with crusty bread, or as part of a larger meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Comforting and Cozy: Ideal for chilly days when you crave something warm and soothing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make the process quick and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld over time.
- Immersion blender: Makes it easy to achieve a smooth consistency without transferring hot soup to another container.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking and better presentation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup:
For the Base
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
For Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Freshness
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
For Flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables:
1. Dice the onion into small pieces.
2. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Add all the base ingredients into your slow cooker:
Crushed tomatoes
Diced onion
Minced garlic
Vegetable broth
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker:
1. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until all ingredients are tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Once cooked:
1. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend the soup until smooth.
Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the remaining ingredients:
1. Add heavy cream, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup!
How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. Serving it in creative ways can enhance the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- A classic pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
Topped with Croutons
- Add some homemade or store-bought croutons for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
Garnished with Fresh Basil
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving for an aromatic finish that enhances the flavor.
With a Side Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
In Bread Bowls
- Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs will elevate the flavor significantly compared to canned options.
- Balance flavors: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste. A little sugar can help balance acidity if needed.
- Blend thoroughly: For a creamier texture, ensure you blend the soup until completely smooth using an immersion blender.
- Adjust creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist on flavor.
- Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a bit after cooking can deepen its flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Pairing your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup with the right side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent choices:
-
Garlic Bread
A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your tasty soup. -
Caprese Salad
This simple salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brightens up your meal beautifully. -
Cheesy Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits with cheese are delightful alongside creamy soup, adding richness and texture. -
Stuffed Peppers
Flavorful stuffed peppers provide a hearty complement that makes for a fulfilling meal. -
Pasta Salad
A refreshing pasta salad adds crunch and variety while being easy to prepare ahead of time. -
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables offer additional nutrients and pair nicely with tomato basil flavors. -
Quinoa Salad
A nutritious quinoa salad boosts protein content and gives a pleasant contrast in texture. -
Cornbread Muffins
Sweet cornbread muffins are another fantastic option that harmonizes well with tomato-based dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ingredients: Skipping fresh ingredients, like basil, can reduce the flavor. Always use fresh herbs for the best taste.
- Not Blending: Failing to blend the soup well can leave it chunky. Use an immersion blender for a creamy texture.
- Overcooking: Cooking too long on high can affect flavor. Stick to low heat for a deeper taste over 6-8 hours.
- Forgetting Seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Wrong Storage: Storing in the wrong container can spoil freshness. Use airtight containers for fridge or freezer storage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup.
How do I make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup thicker?
To thicken your soup, blend more of the mixture until smooth or add a cornstarch slurry while cooking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the crockpot.
What herbs complement Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup?
Besides basil, try adding thyme or parsley for extra flavor that pairs well with tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep, providing easy lunches throughout the week.
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 this recipe a try and enjoy its warmth on chilly days!
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. This creamy, aromatic soup combines the rich flavors of crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, making it a delightful starter or main dish. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you enjoy your day. Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination or serve it in bread bowls for a fun twist. With its easy preparation and ability to taste even better as leftovers, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
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
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
- Combine all base ingredients—crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth—in your slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
