Indulge in the flavors of the season with this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Delight. This rich and velvety soup is packed with fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a luxurious touch of cream. Perfect for cozy dinners, it's quick to prepare and full of vibrant taste. Discover how to whip up this comforting dish in just 30 minutes and impress your family and friends.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
1 cup vegetable broth or stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, gently chopped
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
![To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted - 1 cup vegetable broth or stock - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, gently chopped - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish These ingredients create a rich and flavorful base for your soup. The olive oil adds a nice depth, while the garlic and onion bring warmth. Crushed tomatoes form the heart of the dish, giving it that classic tomato flavor. You can elevate the soup with a few optional ingredients: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tang - A tablespoon of pesto for extra herb flavor These additions can enhance the soup's taste. If you like a kick, try the red pepper flakes. Balsamic vinegar adds a nice zing, while pesto deepens the herb profile. If you lack some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use grapeseed oil instead of olive oil - Replace heavy cream with cashew cream for a vegan option - Swap crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes or tomato puree These substitutions still work well in the recipe. They help you adapt based on what you have on hand, making it easier to create this delightful meal. For the full recipe, you can check out the details online. Start by setting your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the extra virgin olive oil. Let it heat up until it shimmers. Then, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic smells great. Now it's time to add the main flavors. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano. If you like, add the sugar to cut the acidity. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and seal the vent. Switch to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' at high pressure for 10 minutes. This will trap all the flavors inside. When the time's up, carefully do a quick release. Turn the valve to venting and wait for the steam to escape. Once it's safe, remove the lid. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you prefer, you can use a countertop blender. Just be careful not to overfill it. If you used a countertop blender, return the soup to the Instant Pot. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Add the fresh basil leaves. Set the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' for a couple of minutes. This warms the soup but don’t let it boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Scoop the creamy soup into warm bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. This adds a nice touch. Serve with crusty baguette or dark rye bread for a perfect meal. Enjoy your Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Delight! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. When making this soup, avoid overcooking the garlic. Too much heat can make it bitter. Also, do not skip the sugar unless you like a very acidic taste. Balance is key. Make sure to use fresh basil at the end. Adding it too early can dull its flavor. Lastly, always check the seasoning before serving. You may need more salt or pepper to enhance the taste. To boost flavors, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. It brings a nice depth to the soup. You can also add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you love herbs, try adding thyme or parsley. For a richer taste, use homemade vegetable broth. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a zesty kick! The Instant Pot is your best friend for this recipe. It cooks the soup fast and keeps it creamy. Use an immersion blender for easy blending. It saves time and reduces mess. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for chopping. Finally, have measuring cups and spoons ready for accuracy. These tools will help you create a delightful meal with ease. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can make this soup dairy-free easily. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It adds a nice, rich flavor. Almond milk is another option, but it may change the texture. The soup will still be creamy and delicious. You can also try cashew cream for a nutty twist. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. Want to make your soup more filling? Add protein! Cooked chicken or turkey works well. You can also add beans like cannellini or chickpeas. They blend nicely and boost nutrition. For a vegetarian option, lentils are great too. Just add them during the pressure cooking stage for a hearty meal. Feel free to switch up the herbs! If you love spices, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth. For a twist, try a splash of balsamic vinegar. It brightens the soup and adds a unique flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment! After enjoying your Instant Pot creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool down. Pour the leftover soup into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to savor it later, freezing works too. To freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top. This space allows the soup to expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your soup, the stovetop is the best choice. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This method helps keep its creamy texture. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir after each burst for even warming. Make sure it’s hot but not boiling. Enjoy it warm, as it tastes best this way. To add spice, include crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, then taste as you go. You can also use spicy sausage or hot sauce for more heat. Each option gives a unique flavor that pairs well with the tomato base. This soup pairs well with many sides. Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch too. For a heartier meal, try crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the soup. These sides enhance the overall experience. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Dice about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes for this recipe. Blanch them to remove the skins, then follow the same steps in the recipe. Fresh tomatoes add a bright, juicy flavor that many enjoy. Absolutely! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth and skip cheese to keep it vegan. The soup remains rich and creamy, full of flavor. This allows everyone to enjoy this delightful meal. For the full recipe, check the main article. This blog covered all you need for the Instant Pot creamy tomato basil soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. You can make this soup your own with easy changes. Remember to avoid common mistakes and use the right tools for the best results. Enjoy your rich and tasty soup with fun sides or some spice. Keep these tips in mind for a great cooking experience!](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07de53b1-dc48-4d52-ba23-93e7f0577594-300x300.webp)