If you’re on a keto diet, one of the things you might miss most is a comforting bowl of soup. Traditional tomato soup, for example, is often loaded with sugars and carbs that can easily throw off your macros. But don’t worry—this keto tomato basil soup is here to save the day! It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, without all the added carbs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a cozy, low-carb dinner, this recipe has got you covered.
Let’s dive into the good stuff: this keto-friendly tomato basil soup recipe that will not only satisfy your cravings but also keep you on track with your keto goals. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips, tricks, and variations to keep things interesting.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Tomato Basil Soup
Before we jump into the recipe itself, let’s talk about why this particular dish works so well on a keto diet. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Low-Carb: Most store-bought tomato soups are loaded with sugars and hidden carbs, but this one keeps it keto-friendly by using fresh, whole ingredients. No sneaky sugars here.
- Creamy & Rich: Thanks to a generous amount of heavy cream, this soup is velvety smooth and deeply satisfying. It feels indulgent without the guilt.
- Simple Ingredients: We’re using fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a few keto-friendly additions to get all the flavor without extra carbs.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: This soup stores beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you don’t feel like cooking.
And best of all, it tastes like a bowl of summer sunshine—perfect for those cooler months when you’re craving something warm but still light.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the main players. These ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen:
- Fresh Tomatoes (about 6-8 medium-sized): If you can find ripe Roma or San Marzano tomatoes, go for them. They have the best flavor and fewer carbs compared to other varieties.
- Fresh Basil (1/2 cup, tightly packed): This is the flavor hero of the soup. Don’t substitute with dried basil, it just won’t give the same fresh, herbaceous pop.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): This is what makes the soup creamy and adds healthy fats, making it perfect for keto.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves): You can adjust this to your liking, but garlic really enhances the flavor here. Mince it up fresh.
- Onion (1/2 small onion, finely chopped): While onion does have some carbs, we’re using just a small amount for that slightly sweet, savory base.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): Make sure it’s low-carb or homemade to avoid hidden sugars. Bone broth is a great option, too.
- Olive Oil or Butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing the garlic and onion, and adding some healthy fats to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course. Start with a pinch of each and adjust after cooking.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
If you want to jazz things up, feel free to add some of these optional ingredients:
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat. A pinch is all you need.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This can be sprinkled on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crumbled Bacon: For an even more keto-friendly protein boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? This soup comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prep Your Tomatoes
Start by blanching your tomatoes. This helps to remove the skins easily, which can make your soup smoother. Here’s how you do it:
- Bring a pot of water to boil.
- While the water is heating up, cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato with a sharp knife.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in your tomatoes for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the skin starts to peel back.
- Remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and immediately dunk them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes into quarters.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
In a large pot, heat your olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Broth
Now, toss your chopped, peeled tomatoes into the pot with the onions and garlic. Let them cook down for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices.
Add your chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let the soup cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Blend It Up
Once the tomatoes have softened and everything smells incredible, it’s time to blend. If you have an immersion blender, you can blend the soup directly in the pot. If not, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
Be cautious with hot liquids in a blender—make sure to vent the top and cover with a towel to avoid any accidents.
Step 5: Add the Cream & Basil
Once your soup is smooth and creamy, return it to the pot (if you used a blender). Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Right at the end, stir in the fresh basil. The heat from the soup will wilt the basil and release all its delicious oils. You want to add this last to keep that fresh, bright flavor.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or Parmesan, now’s the time.
Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little extra cream if you want it to look fancy, and garnish with a few basil leaves. Done!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s what you’re looking at per serving for this keto tomato basil soup recipe. These are rough estimates, so if you’re super strict with your macros, be sure to double-check everything with your specific ingredients.
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 6g (Net Carbs: 4g)
- Protein: 4g
Not bad, right? The heavy cream gives you that extra fat boost, while the fresh tomatoes and basil keep the carbs low.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Keto Tomato Basil Soup
- Fresh is Best: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil will give you the most flavor. If you can, avoid canned tomatoes, as they often have added sugars.
- Cream Alternative: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream. It’ll change the flavor slightly, but still be delicious and keto-friendly.
- Make It Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of it and leave the rest as-is for some texture.
- Garnish Game: A drizzle of olive oil, extra basil, or even some grated cheese can elevate the presentation and taste.
- Storage: This soup stores great in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat on the stove and stir in a little more cream if needed.
Variations to Try
Here’s where you can get a bit creative and change things up depending on your mood:
- Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you like things spicy, you could even add a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions.
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Instead of blanching the tomatoes, roast them in the oven first with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will give your soup a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
- Cream of Tomato Basil with Chicken: For a heartier meal, add shredded cooked chicken to the soup right before serving. This adds protein without any extra carbs, making it an ideal keto-friendly option.
- Cheesy Tomato Basil Soup: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan during the last few minutes of cooking for an even creamier, cheesy version of the soup.
Why Keto Tomato Basil Soup?
Whether you’re new to keto or have been at it for a while, this soup is a must-try. It’s comfort food at its finest, but without the carb overload. And let’s be real—on those cold nights when you want something warm and cozy, a bowl of tomato basil soup hits the spot like nothing else. Add in the fact that it’s keto-friendly, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
So, grab those tomatoes, whip up this easy keto tomato basil soup, and enjoy a guilt-free bowl of creamy goodness that’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied. You won’t even miss the carbs.
Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
Conclusion
Keto Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect recipe to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal without sabotaging your low-carb goals. It’s creamy, rich, and satisfying, packed with fresh ingredients that keep the carbs low and the flavors high. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion—from meal prep to a comforting dinner after a long day. Plus, with all the possible variations, like adding chicken, cheese, or a spicy kick, you can keep things fresh and exciting every time you make it.
This soup is more than just keto-friendly; it’s a cozy, delicious bowl of comfort that anyone will love, keto or not. So next time you’re craving something creamy and warm, skip the sugar-laden canned soups and whip up this homemade version instead.