If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting soups that come with a rich, homemade flavor, then Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup is probably already on your radar. Known for its smooth, creamy texture and vibrant tomato flavor, this soup has earned a spot in many home kitchens. Whether you’re curling up with a bowl on a chilly day or serving it as a side to your favorite sandwich, this soup brings a heartwarming burst of flavor to any meal.
But what if I told you that you could recreate this deliciousness right in your own kitchen? No need to head out to your local Carrabba’s – this recipe will walk you through how to make that same perfect balance of tangy tomato, aromatic basil, and creamy goodness from scratch.
Let’s dive into the specifics of this mouthwatering soup, from the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step process of making it. Ready? Let’s cook!
Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
The beauty of Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup lies in its simplicity – it’s a straightforward recipe that packs a lot of flavor with very few ingredients. The key is using quality tomatoes, fresh basil, and a smooth, creamy base that ties everything together.
This recipe offers the same delightful taste you’d expect from Carrabba’s restaurant, but with the added bonus of enjoying it whenever you want!
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients are the stars of this recipe. You won’t need any special or hard-to-find items – just some basic, quality ingredients that come together for a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)
Olive oil is essential for sautéing the garlic and onion, and it also adds a light richness to the base of the soup.
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Yellow Onion (1 Medium, Finely Chopped)
Onion provides a savory depth of flavor that helps balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
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Garlic (3-4 Cloves, Minced)
Garlic adds a fragrant punch to the soup, complementing the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Canned Tomatoes (2 Cans, 14.5 Ounces Each)
The tomatoes are the heart of this soup. You can go with crushed, diced, or whole tomatoes, but crushed will provide the smoothest consistency.
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Vegetable Or Chicken Broth (2 Cups)
The broth acts as the soup’s liquid base, adding a savory richness that complements the tomatoes without overwhelming them.
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Fresh Basil (1/2 Cup, Roughly Chopped)
Basil gives the soup its signature herbaceous flavor. Use fresh basil for the best aromatic kick.
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Heavy Cream (1 Cup)
The cream makes the soup rich and velvety, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a luscious smoothness.
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Salt (to Taste)
A little salt brings out all the flavors, helping everything come together.
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Pepper (to Taste)
Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Instructions
Making Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup at home is surprisingly easy. Here’s a simple guide to creating this delicious dish:
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Heat The Olive Oil
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. The garlic will release its fragrance and infuse the oil with flavor.
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Add Tomatoes
Pour in your canned tomatoes, along with their juices. Stir them into the onion and garlic mixture, letting them simmer for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to combine and the tomatoes to soften even further.
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Add Broth
Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
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Blend The Soup
Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender) to purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids to avoid splattering!
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Add Basil
Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped fresh basil and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the soup with its flavor.
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Finish With Cream
Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. This will give the soup that signature creamy texture. Let it heat through, but avoid boiling after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
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Season To Taste
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your favorite bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a perfect pairing.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients in this soup, because quality really does matter!
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Canned Tomatoes
While fresh tomatoes might seem like a natural choice, canned tomatoes often have a more concentrated, richer flavor, especially if you’re using San Marzano tomatoes. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for a deeper, more vibrant taste.
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Heavy Cream
The cream gives the soup its velvety smooth texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind, though, the soup will be a bit less rich.
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Fresh Basil
Fresh basil adds a vibrant, fragrant touch that dried basil just can’t replicate. It’s important to add it at the end of the cooking process to preserve its bright, herbaceous flavor.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to take your Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup to the next level:
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Don’t Skip The Blender
Blending the soup is essential for that smooth, velvety texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be sure to let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to avoid any burns or splatters.
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Use Low-Sodium Broth
If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for a low-sodium broth. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
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Herb Infusion
Try tying your basil stems with a piece of kitchen twine and adding them to the soup while it simmers. This infuses the soup with even more basil flavor, and you can easily remove the stems before blending.
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Balance Acidity
If the soup tastes too acidic, you can balance it out with a pinch of sugar or a small splash of balsamic vinegar. Both options work wonders to tame the tanginess of the tomatoes.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is pretty perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on it:
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Add Roasted Vegetables
Add roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup for extra flavor and a little texture.
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Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic.
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Vegan Version
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version.
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Cheesy Twist
Add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella to the soup after blending for a cheesy, indulgent version.
Final Words
Carrabba’s Tomato Basil Soup is one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, regardless of the season. The simplicity of the ingredients – yet the depth of flavor they create together – makes it a classic. Plus, it’s a quick recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at your next get-together, this soup is bound to impress. Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, so you might just want to make a double batch!