Heart-Healthy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist—this Heart-Healthy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons is as nourishing as it is delicious. Bursting with the natural sweetness of carrots, celery, and crushed tomatoes, this nutrient-packed soup gets its velvety texture from low-fat plain Greek yogurt, keeping it light without skimping on flavor. Fresh basil and a hint of oregano create the perfect herbal balance, while crispy homemade garlic croutons made from whole grain bread bring a delightful crunch to every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is low in sodium and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a cozy, guilt-free meal. Ready in under 45 minutes, this warm and creamy soup is ideal for busy weeknights or a leisurely dinner paired with a side salad.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, no added salt
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 4 whole grain bread slices
• 1.5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot, and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4

Add the chopped basil, dried oregano, and black pepper to the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standing blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the low-fat plain Greek yogurt until well combined. Keep the soup warm over low heat while you prepare the croutons.

Step 6

For the garlic croutons, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Cut the whole grain bread slices into cubes and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with the extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley. Toss until the bread cubes are evenly coated.

Step 8

Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a handful of garlic croutons, and serve immediately. Enjoy your heart-healthy creamy tomato basil soup!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2862.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1347.5

Total Fat 59.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 24.5mg	0%
Sodium 1572.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 155.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.9g	0%
Total Sugars 63.3g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 998.8mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 5075.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.4%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 44.9%