Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

$- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 large onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gathering fresh ingredients is key for the best taste. The ripe tomatoes bring sweetness. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic give depth. These ingredients form the base of your soup. Next, we add canned and dry ingredients. Crushed tomatoes enhance the tomato flavor. Vegetable broth adds richness and warmth. Dried oregano gives a hint of earthiness. Sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes. You can also add optional ingredients for creaminess. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Salt and pepper elevate all the flavors. Olive oil adds a touch of luxury. Drizzling it on top before cooking enhances the dish. With these ingredients, you create a comforting meal. Each component works together to deliver a delicious taste. Start by chopping your fresh tomatoes. You will need six ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Dice one large onion and set it aside. Next, mince four cloves of garlic. This adds a nice kick to your soup. Finally, tear one cup of fresh basil leaves. Fresh basil brightens the dish and adds depth. In your slow cooker, layer the chopped fresh tomatoes and the can of crushed tomatoes. Then, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour in one cup of vegetable broth for a rich base. Next, sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of sugar. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil on top to enhance the flavor. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to make the tomatoes and onions soft. Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you like a chunkier texture, blend only half the soup. If you want a creamier soup, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream and warm it for another 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker tomato basil soup! To make your soup burst with flavor, I suggest adding fresh herbs. Basil is key, but you might also try adding a bit of thyme or rosemary. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a nice kick. When it comes to blending, you have choices. If you use an immersion blender, the soup will be smooth. If you want it chunky, blend only half. This gives you a mix of textures. Presentation matters! Serve your soup in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top. You can also sprinkle fresh basil for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. This makes your meal feel special and complete. If you want a creamier soup, stir in heavy cream at the end. This adds richness and depth. For a vegan twist, use coconut milk or a nut-based cream instead. Both options keep it tasty without dairy. Feel free to adjust to your taste! {{image_2}} You can make your soup heartier by adding proteins. - Incorporating beans or lentils: Black beans or lentils add great texture and protein. Just rinse and drain them before adding. They cook well in the slow cooker and soak up the soup's flavor. - Adding cooked chicken or turkey: Shredded chicken or turkey boosts the soup's richness. Stir it in during the last hour of cooking for a warm meal. You can change the soup's taste with a few simple tweaks. - Spicy variations with red pepper flakes: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. This adds a kick without overpowering the dish. - Italian-inspired twists with additional herbs: Mix in oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an Italian flair. Fresh or dried herbs work well. Just remember, fresh herbs are often stronger, so use less. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your soup. - Using seasonal vegetables during summer: In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Their fresh taste brightens the soup and celebrates summer’s bounty. - Incorporating winter veggies for a heartier soup: In winter, try carrots or sweet potatoes. They add warmth and a bit of sweetness, making the soup feel cozy and filling. To keep your delicious soup fresh, store it in airtight containers. This helps prevent spoilage and keeps flavors intact. You can refrigerate the soup for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it up tight. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool fully before you freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Just stir well to get an even heat. Don’t let any of that tasty soup go to waste! You can use leftovers in many ways. Try turning it into a rich pasta sauce by adding cooked pasta and some cheese. It also makes a great base for casseroles. Just mix it with cooked grains or proteins and bake until bubbly. This way, you create new meals without much extra work. The soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before enjoying your soup again. Yes, you can make this soup vegan! To do this, simply omit the heavy cream. You can use coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess instead. These options add a nice flavor without dairy. Always check your vegetable broth to ensure it's vegan, too. Absolutely! You can use canned tomatoes. Just replace the 6 fresh tomatoes with an additional can of crushed tomatoes. This is a great shortcut and works well. The flavor will still be rich and tasty. Canned tomatoes also save time and add convenience to your cooking. This blog post shows you how to make a tasty Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup. We discussed fresh ingredients, canned options, and seasonings. I shared steps to prepare and cook your soup. You also learned tips to enhance flavor and ways to customize it. With easy ways to store and repurpose leftovers, you can enjoy this soup for days. Try out different proteins and flavors to match your taste. Cooking can be fun and creative, so get inspired and make this soup!$

Discover the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Bliss, a simple and flavorful recipe that's perfect for busy days! Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and garlic, this rich soup simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. Blend it to your preferred texture and enjoy it with crusty bread. Click through to explore the complete recipe and elevate your mealtime with this comforting dish!

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Ingredients

6 ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the chopped fresh tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.

Stir in the torn basil leaves, dried oregano, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on top.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tomatoes and onions are soft.

Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only half and leave the rest as is.

If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer flavor and let it warm through for an additional 10 minutes.

Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 6-8 hrs | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in bowls drizzled with a bit more olive oil and topped with extra fresh basil. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.