Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Simple and Tasty Meal

Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup? My Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is the answer! This recipe combines fresh flavors with quick and easy prep. You'll love how simple it is to make a tasty meal in under 30 minutes. Join me as I guide you through the ingredients, cooking steps, and some smart tips. Let’s dive into a delicious experience right now!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juices

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

- Optional: Croutons for serving

Ingredient Notes

When picking your ingredients, quality matters. Choose ripe tomatoes for a rich taste. Fresh herbs, like basil, bring a bright flavor that dried herbs can't match. Use good olive oil for the best aroma and richness. Always try to use fresh garlic and onion. They add depth to your soup.

Substitutions

If you want a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. It gives a nice creamy texture with a hint of sweetness. You can also use vegetable broth made from scratch for a fresher taste. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried can work, but use less. Dried herbs are stronger. For a spicier kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Gather your ingredients. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, fresh basil, and heavy cream.

2. Dice the onion. Cut it into small pieces so it cooks fast.

3. Mince the garlic. Use a knife or a garlic press for this step.

4. Measure out the vegetable broth and prepare your other ingredients.

Cooking Steps in the Instant Pot

1. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Wait for it to get hot.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion.

3. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes. It should look translucent when done.

4. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until you smell it.

5. Add the canned tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.

6. Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to Sealing.

7. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' and set it for 15 minutes.

8. After it cooks, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then switch the valve to Venting.

Blending and Finishing Touches

1. Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot.

2. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth.

3. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend in batches in a countertop blender.

4. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Blend briefly to mix.

5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve hot, and consider adding croutons on top for crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not sautéing the onion enough. The onion should turn soft and clear. If you skip this step, your soup may lack depth. Another mistake is adding too much salt at first. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. Lastly, don’t rush the blending. A smooth soup gives a better texture.

How to Thicken the Soup

If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it easily. One way is to blend in more basil leaves. This adds flavor and thickness. You can also stir in some extra heavy cream after blending. If you want a vegan option, use coconut cream instead. Lastly, simmering the soup for a few extra minutes helps reduce it.

Enhancing Flavor (Herbs and Spices)

To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil is great, but try adding thyme or parsley too. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. You can also mix in a bit of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. Experiment with spices to find your perfect blend.

Variations

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Variations

You can make your tomato basil soup even creamier. Instead of heavy cream, try coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it dairy-free. You can also use half-and-half for a rich taste without being too heavy. Blend in some cream cheese or mascarpone for a different twist. They make the soup thick and rich.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

To make this soup vegan, skip the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead. Both options keep it creamy and tasty. Check the vegetable broth to ensure it's vegan. Most brands are, but some have added flavors. Always read the label to be sure.

Adding Additional Vegetables or Proteins

Feel free to add more veggies to your soup. Spinach, carrots, or bell peppers work well. Just chop them small and add them with the tomatoes. If you want protein, add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or shredded tofu. They blend well and make the soup filling. Adjust the seasoning to match the added ingredients. This way, every bowl is tasty and unique!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After you enjoy your Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup, store the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. Let the soup cool to room temperature first. Once cooled, cover it and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to five days.

Freezing Tips

Want to save some soup for later? Freezing is a great choice! Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little space at the top of the container. Soup expands when it freezes. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know how long it’s been in the freezer. The soup can last for about three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If it's frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium until warm, stirring often. If you used the freezer, it might take longer to heat. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your tasty soup!

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! If you choose fresh tomatoes, use about 6-8 medium ones. Start by dicing them, then add them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes give a bright flavor. Just remember to remove the skin if you want a smoother soup. You can also cook them down a bit longer to soften.

How long does Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup last in the fridge?

This soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It might taste even better the next day as the flavors blend more.

How do I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

To make this soup in a slow cooker, start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan. Then, add them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Blend the soup at the end, and stir in the basil and cream. This method gives a nice, slow-cooked flavor.

This blog post covered key steps to create a delicious tomato basil soup. We discussed the best ingredients, their quality, and substitutes. You learned how to cook it in an Instant Pot and blend it to perfection. I shared helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavors. Explore variations for creamy, vegan, and hearty options. Finally, we addressed storage and reheating so you can enjoy leftovers. Remember, good cooking is about using fresh ingredients and trying new things. Enjoy making this soup your own!