There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of tomato soup to lift your spirits on a chilly day. This First Watch Tomato Basil Soup recipe delivers on all fronts with its rich tomato flavor, velvety texture, and fragrant basil notes. Once you try this simple yet satisfying soup, it’s sure to become a staple in your house throughout tomato season and beyond like the loaded potato soup from LongHorn.
As a long-time fan of First Watch’s soups, I was determined to recreate their famous Tomato Basil at home. After plenty of trial and error, I’m thrilled to share my spot-on copycat recipe with you. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying this cozy classic in no time.
Why Is This Tomato Basil Soup So Tasty?
So what makes this tomato basil soup so special? It all comes down to the dynamic duo of ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh aromatic basil. These two ingredients are simply made for each other. The sweet, tangy tomato provides the base while the basil adds a pop of herbaceous flavor and fragrance. It’s a match made in soup heaven!
Other tomato soup recipes go heavy on the cream, muting the bright tomato taste. But for this First Watch version, the tomatoes take center stage. A bit of cream at the end gives it a silky finish without overpowering the soup. The result is a lighter, cleaner tomato flavor that really shines.
How To Make First Watch Tomato Basil Soup
After plenty of trial and error in my kitchen, I’m thrilled to share the simple, foolproof method for making this copycat First Watch Tomato Basil Soup at home. Get ready to enjoy rich, velvety tomato goodness in just a few easy steps:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of unsalted chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Adding Flavor
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Seasoning
Sprinkle in 4 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Then, pour in 2 cups of unsalted chicken broth. Add a bay leaf and about 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil.
Step 4: Simmering
Stir all the ingredients together and let them simmer uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. Make sure to remove the bay leaf once the cooking time is up.
Step 5: Pureeing
Now, it’s time to puree the soup. Blend the soup with an immersion blender. If you don’t have one then you can use a regular blender, or a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Blend until the soup is smooth and creamy.
Immersion Blender works better and this is my secret for achieving that signature smooth, creamy texture
Step 6: Adding Cream
Once the soup is pureed, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and an additional 2 tablespoons of fresh minced basil. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Serving
Our first watch restaurant style tomato basil soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with some extra chopped basil if desired. Serve it as is or alongside the perfect grilled cheese for a comforting meal.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
This versatile recipe lends itself to all sorts of creative tweaks:
- Play with different basil varieties like Thai, lemon or cinnamon basil.
- Swap in roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Try adding a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice to brighten it up.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to lighten it up.
- For a vegetarian/vegan option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Garnish with Parmesan crisps, croutons or crunchy bacon bits for texture.
Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this tomato soup recipe!
Top Pairings for the Tomato Basil Soup
A bowl of creamy tomato soup begs for something starchy or crunchy on the side. Here are some sensational pairings:
- Grilled cheese – The ultimate classic! A crispy, oozing grilled cheese sandwich dunked into the soup is sheer comfort food heaven.
- Crostini – For a lighter option, toast baguette slices, rub with garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Top with ricotta, fresh mozzarella or goat cheese.
- BLT salad – Make a meal with a BLT salad featuring crunchy bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
- Cornbread muffins – Warm cornbread muffins studded with corn kernels are a delightful accompaniment.
- Italian subs – Pair your tomato soup with an Italian sub overflowing with meats, cheese, onions and peppers. Dunk away!
However you choose to enjoy it, this tomato basil soup makes for an utterly crave-worthy meal.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Like many soups, this First Watch Tomato Basil tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop fully.
Here are some tips for leftovers:
- Let soup cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers.
- Fridge life is 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For longer freezer storage, portion soup into freezer bags or containers (leave headspace!). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Basil will oxidize and turn dark, so garnish bowls with fresh basil just before serving.
With proper storage, you can enjoy this soup for lunches and quick dinners all week long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of basil do you recommend?
I love the flavor of Genovese basil, but any fresh variety works great. Just avoid dried basil which has a different taste.
How do you make tomato basil soup thicker?
To thicken tomato basil soup, you can puree it longer for a smoother consistency, simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid, add a roux/slurry, or stir in cream or half-and-half. Avoid using flour or cornstarch which alter the flavor.
Why is sugar used in tomato soup?
A small amount of sugar is often added to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. It helps round out the flavor, without making it taste overly sweet.
Is tomato basil sauce the same as soup?
No, tomato basil sauce is thinner and more chunky like pasta sauce. Tomato basil soup is pureed until very smooth and creamy. The soup uses more broth for a spoonable texture.
Is tomato soup a healthy soup?
Yes, when made with minimal added cream/oil and lots of tomatoes, tomato soup can be a nutritious option loaded with lycopene, vitamin C and antioxidants. Choose low-sodium versions to keep it healthy.
How many carbs are in First Watch tomato basil soup?
The tomato basil soup at First Watch has around 13g net carbs per 8oz serving. The carb count may vary slightly depending on added cream and any thickeners used.
Can we have tomato soup daily?
It’s fine to enjoy tomato soup regularly as part of a balanced diet. Tomatoes provide beneficial nutrients. Just watch your sodium intake if consuming canned versions often.
Is tomato basil soup high in sugar?
No, tomato basil soup typically only has around 4-6g sugar per serving. The natural sugars from the tomatoes plus a small amount of added sugar provide just enough sweetness without being high in sugar.
Is tomato basil soup good for high cholesterol?
Yes, studies show tomatoes contain carotenoids that may help lower LDL cholesterol. When made with olive oil and minimal saturated fat from cream, tomato basil soup can be a cholesterol-friendly option.
Final Words
I can’t wait for you to try this easy yet impressive First Watch tomato basil soup recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll wow everyone with your top-notch homemade soup skills. This bright, velvety soup is sure to become your new favorite for dinner parties or cozy nights in. Just imagine your home filled with the incredible aromas of simmering tomato and fresh basil.
Even novice cooks can master this recipe and be the hosts of the most delightful soup nights. So gather some friends, break out the soup spoons, and get ready to make your kitchen the tasty talk of the town! This crowd-pleasing Tomato Basil Soup is comfort in a bowl, and I know your friends and family will be begging for seconds.
