When the weather turns chilly, or you’re just in the mood for a cozy meal, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of La Madeleine’s Tomato Basil Soup.
I’ve always been a fan of their creamy, smooth tomato basil blend that brings such a satisfying richness. It’s a simple yet flavorful soup with fresh basil and a touch of cream that elevates it into pure comfort food territory.
If you’re craving that restaurant-quality flavor at home without any fuss, this recipe is for you! Plus, it’s quick and straightforward, perfect for weeknight dinners or a heartwarming lunch. Let’s get started!
La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup recipe delivers the same silky, savory, and herb-infused goodness as the original. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a classic you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Course: Soup
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 250
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 14–16 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sweet unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Optional Substitutions:
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, use canned tomatoes.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the soup.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Tomatoes
- Start by peeling and chopping the tomatoes. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can also blend them slightly.
- Place the chopped tomatoes and tomato juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Simmer
- Simmer the tomato mixture for 20 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a blender.
Step 3: Add Basil And Season
- Add the chopped basil leaves to the soup and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Add Cream And Butter
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and slowly add the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly.
- Add the softened butter and stir until it melts completely into the soup, giving it that rich, creamy finish.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dollop of cream on top for presentation!
Cooking Tips
- For a thicker soup, reduce the tomato juice by half a cup.
- Want a bit of a kick? Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicier twist.
- Blending tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches in a regular blender.
- Diet adjustments: Substitute coconut milk for cream to make it dairy-free, or opt for low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat to keep the cream from separating.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a bit of flair, try serving it with a side salad or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
Is La Madeleine’s Tomato Basil Soup Expensive?
This homemade version is much more budget-friendly than what you’d find at the restaurant! Using basic ingredients, it’s affordable and easy to make while delivering the same delicious taste.
Is La Madeleine’s Tomato Basil Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes! This recipe uses no gluten-containing ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free. If you’re sensitive to gluten, always check labels on packaged items like tomato juice and cream.
What Temperature Should La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup Be Cooked To?
Cook the soup at a simmer, around 180°F to 200°F, which allows the flavors to meld without boiling, keeping the cream smooth and preventing separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan butter for a fully vegan version.
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead Of Fresh?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil if you don’t have fresh. Just add it earlier in the cooking process for a richer flavor.
How Do I Get A Smooth Consistency?
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully blend in batches after cooking. Just make sure to cool slightly before transferring to a traditional blender.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze this soup. Just avoid adding cream before freezing; add it after reheating.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll enjoy making this La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting, easy-to-make classic that brings the taste of La Madeleine right to your kitchen. Try it out, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you.
Classic La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup Recipe – So Tasty!
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes peeled and chopped
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 14 –16 fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup sweet unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep The Tomatoes
- Start by peeling and chopping the tomatoes. If you prefer a smooth texture, you can also blend them slightly.
- Place the chopped tomatoes and tomato juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Simmer
- Simmer the tomato mixture for 20 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a blender.
Step 3: Add Basil And Season
- Add the chopped basil leaves to the soup and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Add Cream And Butter
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and slowly add the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly.
- Add the softened butter and stir until it melts completely into the soup, giving it that rich, creamy finish.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dollop of cream on top for presentation!
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