Name: Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 4 pounds vine tomatoes (or regular tomatoes); 1 large head of garlic (top trimmed about 1/4-inch to expose the cloves); 1 large yellow onion (roughly sliced into about 1-inch-wide pieces); Generous drizzle of olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 15-ounce can butter beans or white beans (drained and rinsed, or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans); 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sugar to taste); 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional); Handful of fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish); Unsweetened oat milk (or canned coconut milk, or vegan cream to taste; optional)

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and completely plant-based. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes, beans, and herbs. It’s great for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy veggies in a tasty format!

How to Make Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

4 pounds vine tomatoes (or regular tomatoes)
1 large head of garlic (top trimmed about 1/4-inch to expose the cloves)
1 large yellow onion (roughly sliced into about 1-inch-wide pieces)
Generous drizzle of olive oil
Salt to taste
1 15-ounce can butter beans or white beans (drained and rinsed, or 1 1/2 cups cooked beans)
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sugar to taste)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
Handful of fresh basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
Unsweetened oat milk (or canned coconut milk, or vegan cream to taste; optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 420ºF.
Roast: Transfer the tomatoes, garlic, and onion to a large casserole or baking dish. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of salt. Roast for 35 minutes or until the tomatoes have softened and the onion is golden brown.
Transfer the roasted tomatoes and onion to a large nonreactive saucepan (ceramic or stainless steel), or to a blender.
Blend: Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skin into the saucepan along with any juice or oil remaining in the baking dish. Add the beans, vegetable broth, tomato paste, maple syrup, nutritional yeast, and basil. Blend using an immersion blender (or a regular blender) until smooth. If using a regular blender, transfer the mixture back to a large saucepan.
Season: Cook over medium-high heat until warmed through, adding more broth and seasoning to taste. If you want a creamier texture, add oat milk (optional).
Garnish with chiffonade of fresh basil for serving.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

This soup tastes great on its own or alongside a slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Add additional fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor!

How to Store Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned tomatoes can also work.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less vegetable broth.
For extra flavor, add spices like black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the roasting pan for added sweetness and nutrition. Additionally, for a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it a safe option for gluten-intolerant individuals.

3. Can I add cream to this soup?
Yes, if you are not strictly vegan, you can add cream for a richer flavor. However, oat milk or coconut milk keeps it vegan and adds creaminess as well.