Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup is a classic, smooth, and flavorful soup that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the aromatic freshness of basil. This comforting dish is perfect for a light lunch, an elegant starter, or a warming meal on a chilly day. Simple yet delicious, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.

What is Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup?

Mary Berry’s tomato and basil soup is a creamy, velvety soup made with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil, blended to perfection. The balance of sweetness from the tomatoes and the fragrant freshness of basil makes it an all-time favorite. Served hot or chilled, this soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Simple yet delicious: Uses a handful of fresh ingredients to create a deeply flavorful soup.
Rich and creamy texture: A smooth, velvety consistency makes it a perfect comfort dish.
Versatile and healthy: Naturally packed with vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes.
Easy to make: Requires minimal preparation and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Fresh tomatoes (1 kg, chopped, or 2 cans of chopped tomatoes) – The key ingredient for a rich, fresh flavor.
Onion (1 large, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic cloves (2, minced) – Enhances the overall taste.
Carrot (1, grated or finely chopped) – Adds natural sweetness.
Tomato purée (1 tbsp) – Deepens the tomato flavor.
Vegetable stock (750ml) – Forms the base of the soup.
Fresh basil leaves (a handful, plus extra for garnish) – Adds a fragrant, herby finish.
Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing the vegetables.
Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances the flavors.
Double cream (100ml, optional) – For a creamy texture.
Sugar (½ tsp, optional) – Helps balance acidity if needed.

Equipment Needed

Large pot or saucepan – For cooking the soup.
Wooden spoon – For stirring.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables.
Blender or immersion blender – For achieving a smooth consistency.
Fine sieve (optional) – For an extra silky texture.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the tomatoes and tomato purée: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and the tomato purée. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
Pour in the stock: Add the vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend the soup: Remove the soup from heat and blend using an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a blender until smooth. If you prefer an extra silky consistency, pass the soup through a sieve.
Add basil and cream (optional): Stir in the fresh basil leaves and blend briefly to incorporate. If using, add the double cream for extra richness and stir well.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra basil leaves, and serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup?

Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic combination that makes for a comforting meal.
Fresh green salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Parmesan shavings: Sprinkled on top for an extra depth of flavor.
Toasted seeds or croutons: Add a delightful crunch to the smooth soup.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Use ripe tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are fully ripe for the best flavor.
Sauté the onions well: Cooking the onions until soft enhances the overall sweetness of the soup.
Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend well and strain through a sieve.
Add basil at the end: Stir in basil just before blending to retain its fresh, aromatic flavor.
Balance acidity: If the soup is too tart, a pinch of sugar helps mellow the acidity.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Spicy version: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Roasted tomato soup: Roast fresh tomatoes in the oven before adding them for a deeper flavor.
Dairy-free option: Skip the cream or use coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Chunky version: Blend only half of the soup to retain some texture.
Protein boost: Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Separation fix: If the soup separates after storage, blend briefly to restore its consistency.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup

Stovetop method: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each.
Avoid boiling: Overheating can affect the flavor and texture, so warm gently.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well and save time. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, reduce the stock slightly or blend in a small boiled potato or a handful of cooked lentils.

What’s the best way to blend the soup?

An immersion blender is the easiest method, but you can also use a regular blender. If using a blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.

Final Words

Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes with a hint of fresh basil. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or paired with crusty bread, this soup is guaranteed to warm you up with its smooth, rich texture and deep flavors. Quick, easy, and full of goodness, it’s a must-try recipe for any soup lover!