Tomato basil soup is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day-comforting, satisfying, and endlessly delicious. When you think of the ultimate cozy soup, this one often comes to mind. But if you’re craving a bowl of this classic, but with a twist of sophistication and quality ingredients, look no further than the Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup. Yes, the same Nordstrom that is known for its high-end fashion and impeccable customer service, also serves up a delightful and utterly comforting tomato basil soup that has gained a dedicated following.
If you’ve ever had the chance to dine at a Nordstrom Cafe, you know that this soup is one of their most beloved offerings. It’s smooth, velvety, and packs a punch of flavor from the fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. Whether you’re already a fan or have yet to experience it, this recipe is one that’s easy to recreate at home. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become such a signature dish.
So, if you’re looking to replicate that iconic taste or just want a comforting bowl of soup to enjoy on a rainy afternoon, this Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup recipe will quickly become your new go-to.
Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Here’s a breakdown of how you can recreate this restaurant-style tomato basil soup in your very own kitchen. It’s surprisingly simple to make and requires just a handful of fresh ingredients. What makes it special is the balance of flavors-sweet, savory, and herbal-that work together to create a soup that’s both satisfying and elevated.
Ingredients Needed
For the soup base:
- Fresh tomatoes (around 6 cups of chopped tomatoes, or about 6-8 medium-sized)
- Fresh basil leaves (a generous handful, around 1 cup, loosely packed)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons for sautéing)
- Yellow onion (1 medium onion, finely chopped)
- Garlic cloves (3 cloves, minced)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups)
- Heavy cream (1 cup to add richness and creaminess)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional, to balance acidity)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch for some heat)
For garnishing:
- Fresh basil (for sprinkling on top)
- Crusty bread or grilled cheese (because what’s a bowl of tomato soup without a side of something crispy and cheesy?)
Cooking Instructions
-
Prepare The Ingredients
- Start by washing your fresh tomatoes and chopping them into rough chunks. You don’t need to be overly meticulous here since they’ll be blended later. Also, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and tear or chop your basil leaves into smaller pieces.
-
Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add Tomatoes & Broth
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir them around. Cook them down for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices and soften.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture cook for 20-30 minutes. The tomatoes should break down, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
-
Blend The Soup
- Once the soup has simmered and the tomatoes have softened, remove the pot from the heat. Add the basil leaves (reserve a few for garnishing later), and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be cautious when blending hot liquids.
-
Finish The Soup
- Return the smooth soup to the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar (if needed) to taste. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together even further.
-
Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and pair with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the key ingredients in this recipe and why they make this soup so special.
- Fresh Tomatoes: The foundation of any great tomato soup! Fresh, ripe tomatoes give this soup a deep, tangy flavor. While canned tomatoes are an option, fresh tomatoes provide that bright and vibrant taste that is key to this recipe’s success.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet, and herbal note that lifts the soup to another level. It’s not only aromatic, but it balances out the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious taste.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient turns the soup into something luxurious. It adds a smooth, rich texture, giving the soup that velvety mouthfeel that makes it so satisfying.
- Garlic & Onion: These are the backbone of flavor. When sautéed, they caramelize, adding a deep, savory taste to the soup that makes every spoonful more delicious.
- Broth: Whether you choose chicken or vegetable broth, this liquid base helps the soup become flavorful and provides the necessary body and depth. The broth makes the soup feel like more than just a tomato purée-it’s the building block of a hearty, comforting dish.
Expert Tips
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The quality of tomatoes makes all the difference. The more ripe and flavorful the tomatoes, the better the soup will taste. Try to pick tomatoes that are in-season for the best flavor.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Don’t skimp on fresh basil. Dried basil can’t mimic the fresh, bright flavor that basil leaves bring to the table. If you can, pick some up from a farmer’s market or grow your own.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a lighter version of the soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream, or swap it for a splash of milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Blend It Smooth: An immersion blender is the best tool for this job, but if you’re using a regular blender, don’t forget to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splashing hot soup everywhere.
- Sweeten to Taste: Tomatoes can be acidic, so don’t forget the sugar. It helps balance out the tanginess of the tomatoes, especially if they’re on the sour side.
Recipe Variations
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: For an added layer of flavor, you can roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Simply cut the tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds a smoky undertone.
- Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: If you like a little heat, you can add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can crank it up by adding more spice.
- Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream to make it dairy-free. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re good to go!
- Tomato Basil Bisque: For a thicker, richer version, try adding some potatoes or carrots to the mix. Blend them in with the tomatoes for a silky texture and added depth of flavor.
Final Words
Tomato basil soup is one of those timeless dishes that never gets old. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or serving it as a starter for guests, this recipe will impress. What makes the Nordstrom version so special is its simplicity, allowing the ingredients to shine without being overly complicated. By sticking to fresh, high-quality ingredients, you get a soup that’s just as satisfying as any restaurant version.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Used In The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Recipe?
The Nordstrom tomato basil soup recipe typically includes tomatoes, fresh basil, heavy cream, garlic, onions, olive oil, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Some variations might add sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Can I Make Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Vegan?
Yes, you can make the soup vegan by substituting the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk, and ensuring the vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
How Do I Make The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Spicier?
To add spice, you can incorporate ingredients such as red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes For The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well for this recipe. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes with no added preservatives or sugar for the best results.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup?
Preparation time for this soup is typically around 10-15 minutes, while the cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on the method and ingredients used.
Is The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, the Nordstrom tomato basil soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all the ingredients, especially the broth, are gluten-free.
Can I Make The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 4-6 hours, and blend it before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Use Fresh Basil Instead Of Dried Basil?
Yes, fresh basil is preferred for this recipe, as it provides a more vibrant flavor. Use about 2-3 times more fresh basil than dried basil, since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How Can I Make The Nordstrom Tomato Basil Soup Creamier?
To make the soup creamier, you can add more heavy cream or a thickening agent like a roux (flour and butter mixture). Alternatively, you can blend the soup longer to create a smoother texture.