Tomato Basil Soup with Croutons
	
		A creamy and flavorful tomato basil soup topped with crispy homemade croutons, perfect for a comforting meal.
	 
	
		
							- Author: sarra
 
							- Prep Time: 10 mins
 
							- Cook Time: 30 mins
 
							- Total Time: 40 mins
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Soup
 
							- Method: Stovetop
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
 
- 1 medium onion, chopped
 
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
 
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
 
- 2 cups vegetable broth
 
- 1 teaspoon sugar
 
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
 
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
 
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
 
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
 
- 4 slices of bread, cubed
 
- 2 tablespoons butter (for croutons)
 
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for croutons)
 
- Salt to taste (for croutons)
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
 
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
 
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
 
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.
 
- Remove from heat, add chopped basil, and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a regular blender.
 
- Stir in heavy cream and return to low heat for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
 
- Meanwhile, prepare croutons: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread cubes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
 
- Serve the soup hot, topped with croutons and a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and olive oil for croutons.
 
- You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier texture.
 
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 bowl
 
							- Calories: 280
 
							- Sugar: 8g
 
							- Sodium: 580mg
 
							- Fat: 16g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 6g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 28g
 
							- Fiber: 4g
 
							- Protein: 5g
 
							- Cholesterol: 25mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: tomato basil soup, vegetarian soup, homemade croutons, creamy tomato soup