Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or a cozy gathering with friends. This creamy and flavorful soup combines the rich taste of crushed tomatoes with fresh basil, creating a dish that warms both the heart and soul. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty meal or pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe shines in its simplicity and deliciousness, making it suitable for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tomatoes and basil creates a rich, savory taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite sandwich for a complete meal.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and herbs, this soup is nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Immersion blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time without constant supervision.
• Immersion blender: With this gadget, blending your soup becomes easy without transferring hot liquid to another container, keeping things tidy.

Ingredients

For this delightful Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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: Combine Ingredients

Start by adding all the base ingredients to your slow cooker.
Add the crushed tomatoes.
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic.
Pour in the vegetable broth.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

Set your slow cooker to begin cooking.
Choose low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
This allows flavors to develop beautifully.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Once cooked, it’s time to blend!
Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot until the soup reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning

Finish off your soup by incorporating cream and seasoning.
Stir in heavy cream along with fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Now it’s time to enjoy your soup!
Serve hot in bowls and garnish with extra basil if desired.

Enjoy this comforting Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup during those cold winter evenings or any time you crave a bowl of deliciousness!

How to Serve Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is a deliciously creamy dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your soup experience.

With Fresh Breads

• Crusty French Bread – Serve with slices of warm, crusty French bread for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Pair with garlic breadsticks for a comforting combo.

Topped with Extras

• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves – Garnish with whole basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

Accompanied by Salads

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and complements the soup’s creaminess.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast.

In a Bread Bowl

• Sourdough Bread Bowl – Hollow out sourdough bread to serve the soup inside for a fun twist.

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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 – Opt for fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Blend Smoothly – For a perfectly creamy texture, blend until there are no chunks left.
• Let It Simmer Longer – If time allows, let the soup simmer longer to deepen the flavors.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add spices like chili flakes for a little heat or thyme for extra depth.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing; use different cheeses for variety.
2. Mixed Green Salad – Light and refreshing, drizzled with vinaigrette dressing.
3. Pasta Salad – Cold pasta salad adds texture and makes the meal more filling.
4. Roasted Vegetables – A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers make a hearty addition on the side.
6. Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs offers a healthy twist to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people run into issues when making Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh basil and ripe tomatoes to enhance taste.
• Overcooking the soup: Cooking too long can make the soup lose its vibrant flavor. Stick to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for optimal results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting before serving can lead to bland soup. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference at the end of cooking.
• Skipping the blending step: Failing to blend can leave a chunky texture instead of the desired creaminess. Use an immersion blender for a smooth finish.
• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing to serve immediately can hinder flavor development. Letting it sit for a few minutes after blending enhances taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just ensure they are ripe and adjust the quantity based on how much liquid they contain.

How can I make this soup vegan?

To make Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and ensure your broth is vegetable-based.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple side salad.

How do I store leftover soup?

Store any leftover Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and easy enough for weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Give it a try; you might find it becomes a new family favorite!