Provençal Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

ben

You must add one large diced carrot with the onion. Brings color, texture and sweetness. No need for sugar if you do.

Henry

Leave out the water completely as well as the tapioca.

Terri

I also used San Marzano tomatoes, but used rice instead of tapioca. Great, soul-soothing soup (and, after all - what is the purpose of soup if not to soothe the soul?).

I'll probably use less water next time, but I prefer thicker soups.

Happygardener

I ended up using this soup as a base for killer minestrone. On it's own, the flavor is bland and the tapioca lends a silky, but funky, texture. Even with garden fresh ingredients this soup is just ok. But, add lots of veggies, more herbs, pasta (Italian sausage?) and its a winner!

David Look

Uncooked.

Roberta

Made this for a winery picnic where a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich food cart was going to be present! It was delicious and completed the sandwiches beautifully. After reading the notes I substituting chicken stock rather than water, using only about half the amount. I then did not need to use the rice/tapioca. Used frozen chopped basil instead of fresh and carrot instead of sugar. Delicious!

Pepe La Phew

Add cooked or uncooked rice?

Nate V

For so few ingredients this takes a lot of time and ends up quite bland and has a distinct rice flavor. I even tried adding anchovies. Maybe the soup is supposed to be mild? It tasted good until the water was added.Also, why are the basil leaves removed before blending?I'd use toasted bread instead of rice next time.

Francie

I added a small frozen block of chopped fresh basil leaves in olive oil; don't remember putting the plastic bag of them into the freezer so it must have been 18 months ago and I apparently used a muffin tin to freeze the little mounds. The basil was still pungent and fragrant and added a great flavor.

Tom

This needs more of everything. I used 7 on-the-vine tomatoes, hoping that was 2 pounds. This would benefit from a lot more tomato, more onion. I used 2 cups of milk with 2 cups of water, which makes it a little richer.

Laura Heuchan

This is the best tomato basil soup recipe that I have cooked. I doubled the amount of garlic. The only advice I have is that if you use a blender to puree it, do not fill the canister more than half full and definitely hold the top down with a dishtowel. Also, let the soup cool for about 15 minutes before pureeing. Looking forward to making this next summer when I have fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden. I used canned tomatoes and the flavor was still wonderful.

SG

Canned fire roasted tomatoes makes this luscious, and a splash of cream at the end to finish. Used tons of basil from garden, too!

Anita

Included shaved parmesan and used canned whole tomatoes. Rather than water used chicken broth. Quarter cup tapioca flour was enough thickening. Perfect.

mmcv

Cook post blend to really make it creamy, otherwise the rice remains in tiny chunks

Colleen

At first I was skeptical of adding the rice,But was pleasantly surprised. I made a few modifications, substituting chicken stock for water, and adding a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. I did not have fresh basil available so substituted with some pesto. It was delicious!

Margarita

February 5, 2024. Added Aleppo pepper, mushroom powder, tablespoon tomato paste carrots. No sugar. Didn’t have basil, used herbes d’Provence. Thickened with yellow sweet/yams. So good.

Sara Likestocook

Love this! So simple yet flavorful! I have basil growing year round under a grow light, so putting this together is super easy.

Marcia

Used my garden fresh san marzanos and followed the directions with rice. Portioned out and froze for lunches after the first meal and have been enjoying this for the last two months. The flavors are so wonderful even after that freezer time, like taking me back to my summer harvest meals. The cheese rind is an absolute must for the overall balance and umami. And who doesn't love garlic croutons?

Marcia

I took others advice and reduced the water by 1/2 a cup. Only other advice is make sure to use enough salt and pepper! We had homemade croutons and that was what really pulled everything together. Perfect meal with some cheese and crackers on a Sunday evening.

Bohdan

I cooked the rice separately. I kept the basil in and used crushed tomatoes to avoid blending. The soup is a bit bland for the effort. I think it could serve as stock for a richer vegetable soup. Would tomato paste or more onions help?

Cathy Jewett

Read the notes a bit late, so added a carrot, leek, tomato paste and pesto as well as chicken stock to the tomatoes as they cooked down. Seasoned with a touch of cayenne and Spanish paprika. Hmm, maybe a bit less cayenne, but I like the kick it added.

Anna

Smoked paprika is a wonderful addition to any basic tomato soup.

Chris

I followed the recipe pretty closely. I started before reading the comment about lack of flavor, so I simmered with the lid off to cook down and concentrate flavor. I adjusted salt at the end and added a dash of Worcester Sauce and a bit of aged sherry vinegar. Yum!

theKirkman

Great recipe! I leave the basil leaves in & blend everything, makes a nice thick soup. Merci beaucoup

Frankie

I used a potato cooked and blended with the rest of it for thickening. Also, I leave the basil in and also use veg. broth instead of water.

Jake

Strain the solids, blend the solids (including the basil!) and then mix back into the liquids. Much easier than blending an entire pot of soup. I needed much more salt and sugar and I added a splash of milk. Simple and delicious!

Catherine

I used a can of tomatoes and tapioca. Also, I used basil leaves and left them in there when I blended everything with immersion blender. Added some Aleppo pepper and herbs de Provence. Totally delicious!

roundlake

Use bone broth instead of water, use a couple of carrots chopped instead of sugar

Sallie

So, we had almost nothing in the house for dinner, but we did have a can of San Marzano tomatoes and basil growing in the garden. I made the recipe as instructed with rice instead of tapioca. I added a tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning, a tablespoon of tomato paste, and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. The soup was delicious and complemented a crusty baguette my husband made today, a green salad, and a nice bottle of red wine.

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Provençal Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between tomato soup and tomato basil soup? ›

Tomato basil soup is similar to tomato soup but a bit thicker and more basil-y. Both are incredibly delicious and great with grilled cheese. Now, tomato soup is less thick than tomato bisque.

Why do you add baking soda to homemade tomato soup? ›

And the combination of baking soda and sugar completely eliminates the tomatoes' acidity, allowing their rich flavor to shine through.

How do you thicken tomato basil soup? ›

How To Thicken Up Tomato Soup
  1. Add Tomato Paste. One of the easiest ways to thicken your tomato soup is by adding tomato paste. ...
  2. Use Flour or Cornstarch. ...
  3. Incorporate Bread. ...
  4. Utilize Heavy Cream or Yogurt. ...
  5. Blend or Puree. ...
  6. Add Vegetables or Beans. ...
  7. Simmer and Reduce.
Mar 5, 2024

Is tomato basil soup good for high blood pressure? ›

Due to its high potassium content, tomato soup helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Your blood pressure is the force with which your blood presses against your blood vessel walls. You don't want this pressure to be too high or too low. Tomato soup can be beneficial in this regard.

What can I add to tomato soup to make it taste better? ›

10 Simple Ingredients to Add to Tomato Soup
  1. 1) Fresh Rosemary. Kicking off the list is the simplest way to jazz up your tomato soup – fresh herbs. ...
  2. 2) Sauteed Onions. ...
  3. 3) Crispy Bacon. ...
  4. 4) Cream. ...
  5. 5) Chutney. ...
  6. 6) Melted Cheese. ...
  7. 7) Tinned Anchovies. ...
  8. 8) Toasted Pine Nuts.
Mar 21, 2022

Why is my tomato basil soup bitter? ›

When cooked for too long, herbs such as sage, oregano, and basil can release an overly bitter flavor, so it's best to incorporate them when the tomato sauce is almost done cooking.

What does adding sugar to tomato soup do? ›

A small amount of sugar can help round out the flavor, while too much can make it overly sweet and potentially ruin the dish. Adding sugar may also reduce the acidity in a soup, making it taste less acidic.

Why does my homemade tomato soup taste bitter? ›

Leaf states that this can be due to burning the sauce in the pot or simply dealing with a batch of produce that are overly acidic or metallic from canning or cooking. This can also come from under-ripe or low-quality tomatoes, as well as stirring in a hefty amount of tomato paste, per Boss The Kitchen.

Should I add milk to tomato soup? ›

Heavy cream is the best way to get that classic creamy flavor we know and love. In its place I have tried, to no avail, every other dairy for creamy tomato soup: half-and-half works in a pinch, milk makes the soup too thin, and yogurt is too acidic.

What to dip in tomato basil soup? ›

18 Must-Try Toppings for Your Tomato Soup
  1. Pretzels!
  2. Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® Crackers.
  3. Pumpkin Seeds.
  4. Croutons.
  5. Tortilla Strips.
  6. Cheese.
  7. Avocado.
  8. Sour Cream.

What to pair with tomato basil soup? ›

Tomato Basil Soup Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the soup with homemade focaccia or good crusty bread for lunch, or pair it with a sandwich, salad, or pasta for a heartier meal. Most often, Jack and I eat it with grilled cheese sandwiches, but it'd be great with a Caprese sandwich or avocado toast as well.

Is tomato and basil soup good for you? ›

Tomato Basil soup is super healthy. Not only is it low in calories and fat, it is really nutritious too. Tomatoes are a good source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Should diabetics eat tomato soup? ›

Yes, a person with type 2 diabetes can eat tomato soup, but it's important to choose a tomato soup that fits within their dietary needs and preferences. Tomatoes are generally considered a healthy food for people with diabetes as they are low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Why is soup good for you at night? ›

Keeps You Satiated: Soup can help to keep you satiated, as it is a liquid-based meal that is typically high in water and fibre content. The water and fiber in soup can help to fill you up, making you feel less hungry. Additionally, soup is often low in calories, which can also help to keep you feeling full.

Is tomato basil sauce the same as soup? ›

Tomato sauce is typically used as an ingredient in recipes such as pasta or pizza sauce, so it is not generally eaten by itself as a soup. Tomato soup, on the other hand, is a soup made specifically with tomatoes as the main ingredient and is intended to be eaten as a soup.

Is tomato basil soup and tomato bisque soup the same? ›

Typically, tomato and basil soup is made with tomatoes, olive oil, stock, garlic, onions, cream, and herbs/seasoning. However, each recipe will vary depending on taste preferences. What ingredient does a bisque typically have? Usually, a bisque is made with shellfish as the main ingredient.

Can I use tomato basil soup instead of tomato sauce? ›

Although it is likely to change the flavor profile more than other substitutes, tomato soup can work as a tomato sauce substitute. A can of tomato soup can replace 1 cup of tomato sauce. However, because the soup has more liquid than tomato sauce, you should reduce another liquid ingredient by 1/4 cup if possible.

Does basil make tomatoes taste better? ›

Yes, planting basil next to tomato plants is a popular companion planting method that can help repel pests and potentially improve the flavor of the tomatoes.

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