Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

A few simple changes to the classic creamy tomato basil soup comes out oh so tasty! You can’t go wrong with a cup of easy vegan tomato basil soup and some hearty bread for dipping.  An easy-to-make soup that’s perfect to make in a big batch for the whole week.

Why This Recipe Works

• Comfort food classic: Creamy vegan tomato soup makes a favorite hearty and comforting soup for easy lunches or starter for dinner.
• Creamy and full of flavor: Plant-based milk and cream give creamy tomato soup a silky smooth texture and the spices are perfection!
• Perfect for families: Adults and kids of all ages love this recipe.
• Meal prep: Make a big batch to carry along with you for lunches away from home or a quick weeknight dinner.

What Goes Into This Recipe

Don’t be scared off by the ingredient list, everything should be easily found in most grocery stores and it goes together so quickly.

• Yellow onion: Use a sweet, white, or red onion to make creamy tomato basil soup.
• Vegan butter or oil: To cook the veggies. Vegan butter will have a bit more richness than oil while the oil is a bit less processed. Both options work well.
• Carrots: Sauteed at the start of cooking and adds some natural sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add more flavor than using powder.
• Fresh tomatoes: I enjoy the flavor and juiciness of Roma or plum tomatoes for making soup. You can also opt for canned tomatoes to make it easier.
• Yellow or red bell pepper: Adds more depth of flavor than the tomatoes alone.
• Fresh basil: To make vegan tomato basil soup, fresh basil leaves are essential. Swapping with dried basil leaves simply doesn’t taste the same.
• Vegetable broth: You can also use water but I find using the broth makes a more flavorful soup.
• Plant-based milk: Use your favorite option but choose one that doesn’t have a strong flavor that may alter the taste of the soup.
• Plant-based cream: You can also use vegan cream cheese. It’s optional but it enhances the creaminess of the soup.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity in the tomatoes.
• Smoked paprika: A bit of smokiness adds more umami flavor to the recipe.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a bit of spiciness to this easy tomato basil soup.

How To Make Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

• 1) Heat the vegan butter or oil in a large pot on medium heat, add the onions and carrots and saute for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning or browning.

• 2) Add the garlic, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and basil, along with your seasonings and vegetable broth. Stir until evenly combined. Let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to crack and soften up.

• 3) When the tomatoes are cooked add plant-based milk and cream. Stir until well combined.

• 4) Use a blender, food processor, or immersion blender to puree soup until smooth, in batches if needed. 

• 5) Return to the pot, and give it a taste. Adjust seasonings if desired and simmer for 5 minutes.
• 6) Serve hot. 

Expert Tips

• Serve hot: Vegan tomato basil soup is best served hot.
• Make it ‘cheesy’: Layer in some ‘cheesy’ flavor with a vegan cheese option or some nutritional yeast.
• Add some garnishes: Shredded vegan cheese, strips of fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper are simple garnishes to add to the top.

FAQs

What to Serve with Tomato Soup Besides

While creamy tomato basil soup and vegan grilled cheese may be a match made in heaven, there are lots of other sides you can serve as well!

• Fresh Baked Bread or Rolls
• Vegan Focaccia Bread
• Breadsticks
• Corn Muffins
• Vegan Cornbread
• Vegetable Quiche
• Chopped or Green Leafy Salads
• Vegan Crackers

Storage

Leftovers: Allow leftover tomato soup to fully cool prior to storing it to save for later. Store in individual servings or in a large batch depending on how you you plan to use it. Store in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheat: To reheat the soup, return the soup to a pot and heat over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Add water as desired if the soup is too thick.

Make ahead: Creamy tomato basil soup is perfect to make ahead and either refrigerate or freeze to use in the future. To save time, pack it up in individual servings so you can easily grab and pack in a lunch or meal on the go. 

Variations

Want a heartier version of fresh tomato basil soup? Here are some of my favorite ingredients to add that make it more substantial or turn it into a main dish.

• Vegetables: Stir in cooked vegetables at the end for a chunky soup or you can add them before pureeing for a smoother soup. Some of my favorites are corn, spinach, cauliflower, and kale.
• Beans or lentils: Add cooked beans or lentils after pureeing the soup and heat until warmed through.
• Grains: Stir in cooked grains such as wheat berries, quinoa, or rice after pureeing and heat just until hot.

More Vegan Soup Recipes

• Turkish Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
• Mushroom Soup
• Vegan Minestrone Soup
• Coconut Curry Soup
• Pasta Bean and Tomato Soup

Photos by Alfonso Revilla