Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Turkey Bacon Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 30 oz canned diced tomatoes (including the juices in the can); 15 oz can tomato sauce; 3 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 – 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 3 Tbsp unsalted or salted butter; 3 Tbsp all purpose flour; 12 oz can evaporated milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a wedge of Parmesan tastes best)

Introduction to Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

The Joys of Homemade Soup for Busy Professionals

In the whirlwind of a hectic work week, finding time to prepare a comforting meal can feel impossible. That’s where the beauty of homemade soup comes in, especially when it’s a slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup. Not only is soup incredibly soothing, but making it from scratch allows you to savor the rich flavors of fresh ingredients without the fuss of intricate cooking methods.

Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of tomatoes and basil wafting through your home, inviting you to relax. Utilizing a slow cooker means you can simply toss everything in before work, and by the time you return, dinner is ready to greet you. According to a study by the American Institute for Cancer Research, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, making a delicious bowl of tomato soup not just comforting but nutritious too.

Besides, who doesn’t appreciate minimal clean-up? Investing in a slow cooker not only helps you save time, but it also encourages you to explore new flavors and combinations. So, if you’re ready to impress your taste buds without sacrificing hours of your evening, let’s dive into creating this creamy tomato basil soup that’s sure to become a staple in your busy schedule.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Base

Creating a delicious slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup begins with a robust foundation. Here’s what you’ll need:

Canned Diced Tomatoes: 30 oz, including the juices, to provide a rich tomato flavor.
Tomato Sauce and Paste: These add depth and a concentrated tomato essence.
Onion and Garlic: A diced medium yellow onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic add layers of savory goodness; don’t skip these!
Fresh Basil: About ¼ cup, chopped—that aromatic herb truly sings in this dish!
Seasonings and Broth: Don’t forget 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth for perfect seasoning.

Essential Ingredients for the Creamy Finish

To transform your flavorful base into a creamy delight, you’ll need these essential components:

Butter and Flour: Melted butter and all-purpose flour create a roux that thickens your soup beautifully.
Evaporated Milk and Heavy Cream: A 12 oz can of evaporated milk and 1 cup of heavy cream create that luxurious texture.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1.5 cups of this cheesy goodness, preferably straight from a wedge, will bring everything together.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a soup that warms both the body and soul. For more about choosing quality tomatoes, check out this guide. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step Preparation of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful culinary adventure, and it's simpler than you might think. Let's break it down step by step, ensuring every detail is covered for a perfect bowl of comfort.

Gather your ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to have all your ingredients at the ready. For the tomato soup base, you'll need:

30 oz canned diced tomatoes (including the juices)
15 oz can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

And for the roux:

3 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 oz can evaporated milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated from a wedge is best)

Having these items prepped and ready to go will make the process smooth and enjoyable!

Create the tomato soup base

In your slow cooker, combine all the star ingredients for the tomato base. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. This mixture not only simmers beautifully but also infuses your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whisk or stir to combine everything thoroughly, then cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Consider this your hands-off cooking time!

Blend to perfection

About 40 minutes before you’re ready to serve your delicious slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup, it’s time to make it silky smooth. If you have an immersion blender, simply blend the soup directly in the slow cooker. After blending until smooth, if you're using a traditional blender, carefully transfer the soup back to the slow cooker—don’t forget to let it cool slightly before pouring.

Whip up the roux

Now for the creamy magic! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring often. Gradually add the heavy cream and evaporated milk, whisking until it thickens. This step elevates your soup’s texture and flavor. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

Combine and thicken

Transfer your roux mixture back into the slow cooker with the blended tomato soup. Stir everything together for a harmonious blend of flavors. Leave the slow cooker uncovered and let it cook on HIGH for about 20 minutes. This step gives your soup the chance to thicken and blend beautifully without losing any of that creamy goodness.

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup that's perfect for cozy nights in. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil before serving, and enjoy!

Variations on Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

If you're looking for a vegan twist on the classic slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup, simply swap the dairy with plant-based alternatives. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and evaporated milk. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, pairing perfectly with the fresh basil. Make sure to use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based! Check out resources like The Vegan Society for more tips on creating delicious vegan meals.

Spicy Tomato Basil Soup

For those who crave a kick in their soup, consider transforming your slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup into a spicy delight. Simply add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process for that fiery zest. You might also experiment with red pepper flakes or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle warmth. Don’t forget to garnish with slices of fresh chili on top—perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

To ensure your slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup has that luxurious consistency, blending is key. Use an immersion blender for convenience, allowing you to adjust the smoothness to your liking. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half. For an extra velvety finish, let the roux simmer gently before combining it with the soup—this will help thicken the texture beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions for Flexibility

Feel free to customize your soup! Instead of canned tomatoes, you can use fresh ones if they’re in season. For a creamier base, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk if you want a dairy-free option. Additionally, if you don’t have Parmesan cheese, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano can work wonderfully. Don’t hesitate to get creative; cooking should be fun!

For more guidance on flavor enhancements, check out this cooking tips article.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

To create a well-rounded meal, serve your slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup with a crisp mixed greens salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. For something heartier, pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches made with mozzarella or gouda for an extra creamy texture. Looking for something different? Consider a turkey bacon or chicken ham sandwich on whole grain bread to add a protein boost and satisfy your hunger.

Presentation Tips to Impress Your Guests

When it comes to presentation, the devil is in the details! Serve your vibrant slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup in elegant bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves for a pop of color. You might even drizzle a touch of olive oil for that restaurant-style flair. For a cozy vibe, consider using rustic bread bowls or pairing the soup with stylish crackers arranged on a platter.

For more inspiration on pairings and plating techniques, check out this guide on food pairing strategies.

Time Breakdown for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Preparation Time
Get your ingredients ready! Spend about 15 minutes chopping the onion, garlic, and basil, and gathering your canned tomatoes.

Cooking Time
Let the slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup work its magic! You’ll need around 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH to let the flavors develop.

Total Time
In just under 8 hours (or 4, if you're in a hurry), you'll have a delicious bowl of soup ready to serve and enjoy with friends or family!

For tips on ingredient selection, check out this guide. If you want to dive deeper into slow cooking, here’s an excellent resource.

Nutritional Facts for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

When whipping up our delicious slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup, it’s good to keep an eye on the nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of its nutritional facts per serving to guide your choices:

Calories per serving

Each serving of this comforting soup contains roughly 300 calories. A perfect warm-up on chilly evenings!

Protein content

Packed with flavor and goodness, this soup offers about 10 grams of protein per serving, mainly from the Parmesan cheese and cream. It's a satisfying, guilt-free meal.

Sodium levels

For those watching their sodium intake, you'd be glad to know this soup registers about 600 mg of sodium per serving. This number is kept in check thanks to the use of reduced sodium chicken broth and careful seasoning.

For more tips on healthy eating and balanced nutrition, check out this resource from the American Heart Association.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Can I freeze leftover tomato basil soup?
Absolutely! Slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

How can I adjust the recipe for different serving sizes?
You can easily scale the ingredients to fit your needs. For instance, if you need to serve fewer people, simply halve the amounts. Conversely, if you’re hosting a gathering, doubling the ingredients will create a heartwarming batch without much fuss.

What is the best way to store this soup?
For short-term storage, keep your slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want to savor it longer, freezing is the way to go! Always reheat thoroughly before serving again for the best taste and safety.

For more tips on storing or reheating soups, you can check out sources like Food Safety.gov.

Conclusion on Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

In summary, this slow cooker creamy tomato basil soup is a delightful blend of flavors that’s both comforting and easy to make. Perfect for busy young professionals, it allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. Give it a try and savor each spoonful!