Old Man Rafferty's Tomato Basil Soup

Warm, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Old Man Rafferty’s Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate classic with a gourmet twist. This velvety, homemade tomato soup combines perfectly ripe tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and a touch of cream to create a dish that’s both hearty and elegant. Sautéed onions and garlic form a robust base, while a hint of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly rounded flavor. Blended to silky perfection, this soup is finished with a drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an irresistibly rich and creamy texture. Whether served with crusty bread or crunchy croutons, this quick and easy recipe, ready in under 45 minutes, is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or leisurely lunches. Perfect for lovers of Italian-inspired comfort food, this tomato basil soup will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for garnish)
• 0 crusty bread or croutons (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften completely.

Step 6

Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and carefully blend it in batches in a countertop blender.

Step 7

Return the soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender) and place it over low heat.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh basil and heavy cream, allowing the soup to heat through but not boil, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and accompanied by crusty bread or croutons, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2277.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1388.2

Total Fat 90.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 167.6mg	0%
Sodium 6204.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.5g	0%
Total Sugars 39.0g
Protein 47.2g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1374.6mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 3627.7mg	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: 58.8%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 27.5%