Basil Tomato Soup – the ultimate freezer meal for those hectic days when time is of the essence. Picture this: plump, juicy tomatoes simmered with fragrant basil and a hint of garlic, creating a flavor explosion that's both comforting and oh-so-satisfying.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a kitchen staple that’s sure to become your new go-to: Basil Tomato Soup – the ultimate freezer meal for those hectic days when time is of the essence. Picture this: plump, juicy tomatoes simmered with fragrant basil and a hint of garlic, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and oh-so-satisfying.
Now, let’s talk about why this freezer-friendly soup is a game-changer. As a mom who’s always on the lookout for ways to simplify mealtime, I can’t stress enough the importance of make-ahead meals. With just a little prep work, you can have a batch of this delicious soup ready to go whenever hunger strikes.
Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table after a long day or planning ahead for a busy week ahead, having a stash of freezer meals like this one can be a total lifesaver.
So, are you ready to join me in the kitchen and whip up a batch of this cozy Basil Tomato Soup? Let’s make meal prep a breeze together! I’ll walk you through each step of the recipe, sharing my tips and tricks along the way to ensure that your soup turns out perfectly every time. Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why you’ll love this Easy Freezer Meal: Tomato Basil Soup
Quick and Easy: Basil Tomato Soup is a lifesaver for busy parents who need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing taste.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this soup is hassle-free to prepare, perfect for tired parents who want to avoid complicated recipes.
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love, making mealtime stress-free for parents.
Comfort in a Bowl: There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a bowl of Basil Tomato Soup after a long day, providing solace and relaxation.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or salad for a satisfying dinner option that’s sure to please everyone.
Basil Tomato Soup Freezer Meal Recipe
Basil Tomato Soup – the ultimate freezer meal for those hectic days when time is of the essence. Picture this: plump, juicy tomatoes simmered with fragrant basil and a hint of garlic, creating a flavor explosion that's both comforting and oh-so-satisfying.
Vegetarian Option: Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian-friendly while maintaining its savory flavor. Substitute raw honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegetarian sweetener option.
Dairy-Free Alternative:Replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk to create a creamy texture without dairy. Use olive oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter for sautéing the vegetables to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Gluten-Free Variation:Ensure the chicken broth and tomato sauce are labeled gluten-free to make the entire recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of traditional pasta to make the soup gluten-free while adding a hearty element.
Additions:
Italian Sausage and Spinach: Add cooked Italian sausage slices and fresh spinach leaves to the soup for a hearty and nutritious variation. Sauté the sausage slices with the diced red bell pepper before adding them to the soup for added flavor.
Roasted Garlic: Roast a few cloves of garlic in olive oil until golden brown and fragrant, then add them to the soup for a deeper, roasted garlic flavor. Roasted garlic adds richness and complexity to the soup without overpowering the basil and tomato flavors.
White Beans and Kale: Stir in canned white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, and chopped kale for a protein-packed and fiber-rich addition to the soup. The white beans and kale add texture, nutritional value, and a delicious earthy flavor to the soup.
These substitutions and additions will enhance the flavor and versatility of your Basil Tomato Soup while ensuring that each ingredient is freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep.
How to Reheat and Store Basil Tomato Soup
Best way to store Convenient Basil Tomato Soup leftovers
This Basil soup is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In order to get to the point of being able to store in the fridge, allow the recipe to cool completely to room temperature. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. Label and date the storage device for optimal freshness of leftovers and for your memory. If you need a longer storage option than what is suitable for the fridge, the freezer is a great option.
How long will Tomato Basil Soup last in the fridge?
When stored properly, and allowed to cool to the appropriate temperature, this meal is good for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Family-Friendly Tomato Basil Soup recipe?
We recommend freezing before cooking, and preparing this recipe as a raw freezer meal because the end result is scrumptious in both flavor and texture. To create this as a raw freezer meal, simply label a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients,except fresh basil and heavy cream, into that freezer bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months. If you have already prepared the meal, and are not able to consume the leftovers in a suitable time frame for fridge storage, you can absolutely store leftovers in the freezer. Just follow the same cool down procedures as you would to store in the fridge. Then label the freezer bags, and think about portioning out your meals for easy reheating.
How to Reheat Quick and Delicious Basil Tomato Soup Freezer Meal?
Our preferred method of reheating for this recipe is on the stovetop. To prepare your leftovers in the stovetop, add the desired amount of leftovers into a saucepan, over medium heat. Stir occasionally until your leftovers have reached your desired temperature! Another great reheating method is using the microwave. Simply add your desired amount of leftovers into your microwave safe bowl, use short bursts of heating between 30-60 seconds, stirring between each interval!
Easy Basil Tomato Soup Freezer Recipe FAQs
What health benefits are provided in a Basil Tomato Soup?
This Basil Tomato Soup offers so many health benefits owing to its nutritious ingredients. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promotes a healthy heart. Basil adds important vitamins A,K, and C, along with minerals like magnesium and iron. Also, basil possesses antibacterial properties and may aid with proper digestion. Together, these ingredients create a soup that is not only delicious but also supports overall health.
What is the best way to serve a Basil Tomato Soup?
The best way to serve a Basil Tomato Soup is piping hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of a high quality olive oil. You can serve it with crusty french bread or a side salad for a complete and hearty meal. For added richness, consider sprinkling some Parm cheese on top of the soup before serving.
What are the three main tips for making a Basil Tomato Soup?
Three main tips to making a tomato basil soup are to make sure that you start with ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best possible taste to your soup. Also, use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor and aroma. Also, allow the soup to simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and develop beautifully together.
How could you prepare this Tomato Basil Soup as a raw freezer meal?
To prepare Basil Tomato Soup as a raw freezer meal, simply add the ingredients for the recipe into a labeled freezer bag. Leave some space for expansion, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, or put in your crockpot frozen to begin the slow cooking of your Basil Tomato Soup.
How can I accommodate my dietary needs/preferences with a Tomato Basil Soup?
You can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences with a Basil Tomato soup. For example, for a vegan or dairy-free option, consider vomiting and dairy-based garnishes like cheese or cream. If you are looking to reduce the sodium intake, use a low-sodium broth or tomatoes and limit the added salt. To adjust the sweetness, use a variety of tomatoes or consider adding a pinch of sugar for balance. For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients, including your broth and seasonings, are gluten-free certified.
Why do basil and tomato go so well together?
Basil and tomato compliment each other exceptionally well due to their contrasting yet complimentary flavors. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes balances the peppery, slightly sweet taste of the basil, creating a vibrant and refreshing combination. Basil’s aromatic qualities enhance the overall taste of the tomatoes. This pairing is a classic Mediterranean cuisine and has been celebrated for centuries.
Where did Basil Tomato Soup originate from?
Basil Tomato Soup is believed to have originated in Italy, where tomatoes and basil are abundant and commonly used in their cooking. Italian cuisine heavily relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the combination of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil reflects this culinary tradition.
What basil and tomatoes go the best together?
The best basil and tomatoes that go together for a Basil Tomato Soup are fresh, ripe, varieties bursting with flavor. Opt for Heirloom tomatoes, such as San Marzano or Roma tomatoes. For basil, choose sweet basil or Genovese basil, known for their aromatic fragrance and slightly peppery taste.
