First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is made with olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, heavy cream, and seasonings. This comforting and flavorful tomato basil soup recipe creates a warm and satisfying dinner that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
• 1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (2 tablespoons for cooking, 2 tablespoons for garnish)
• 1 cup heavy cream

First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Base In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
3. Season and Simmer Sprinkle in 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf along with 2 tablespoons of the fresh chopped basil.
4. Simmer the Soup Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, remove and discard the bay leaf.
5. Puree the Soup Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a standard blender, blend in small batches, and be careful with hot liquids. Hold down the lid with a kitchen towel to avoid splatters.
6. Add Cream and Basil Once the soup is blended, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect comforting meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano or other high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer, sweeter tomato flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky taste that enhances the soup.
• Add a Parmesan Rind: Drop a Parmesan cheese rind into the soup while it simmers, then remove before blending. It adds depth and a subtle umami flavor to the soup.
• Blending for Texture: For a smooth, creamy texture, blend the soup thoroughly. If you like a chunkier consistency, only blend part of the soup or use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes slightly.

How To Store First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Allow the First Watch Tomato Basil Soup to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

On the Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and reheat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

In the Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In the Slow Cooker: For gentle reheating, pour the soup into a slow cooker and set it to the “Low” setting. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot. This is ideal for reheating larger amounts without scorching.

What To Serve First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

First Watch Tomato Basil Soup Recipe pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and buttery croutons. It also can be served alongside herbed focaccia, roasted vegetables, cheesy breadsticks, and pasta salad for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, especially if they’re in season. Substitute with about 6-7 medium ripe tomatoes, diced. To get a similar depth of flavor as canned fire-roasted tomatoes, you can roast the tomatoes in the oven with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make the soup vegetarian, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil for the fresh basil used in cooking, but fresh basil is recommended for garnish to give the soup a bright, fresh flavor.

Try more recipes:

• Vegetarian Kway Teow Soup Recipe
• Woolworths Potato And Leek Soup Recipe
• Women’s Weekly Minestrone Soup Recipe