Newks Tomato Basil Soup Recipe: Easy Creamy Copycat - Operation $40K (2024)

Newks Tomato Basil Soup Recipe: Easy Creamy Copycat

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Soup season is here! I don’t know about you, but I love a great creamy tomato basil soup in the middle of a Wisconsin winter! It is the best soup to pair with a grilled cheese sandwich – often made with white cheddar cheese, grilled onions, and crisp bacon. Sometimes I slide a little oven-roasted turkey in there too to make the ultimate comfort food.

Tomato Basil soup is simply a classic comfort dish that has graced many kitchen tables and warmed countless bellies with its rich, herby flavor. Newk’s Eatery has crafted its own version of this beloved soup, known for its creamy texture and the perfect balance of tomato and basil.

As you seek to recreate the Newks Tomato Basil Soup recipe in your own kitchen, you’ll find that this recipe is surprisingly simple, yet the outcome is a luxurious soup that tastes like it has been simmered for hours.

Is this a Tomato Bisque?

In essence, Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup can be considered a variation of tomato bisque due to its creamy tomato base, but it has its own unique blend of ingredients and flavors. Tomato bisque recipes can vary significantly, so there’s room for creativity and interpretation when it comes to tomato-based soups.

They are both creamy tomato soup with fairly simple ingredients. This Newks Tomato Basil Soup recipe just takes this creamy soup to the next level.

Detailed Ingredient List

To prepare Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a subtle fruity and earthy flavor to the soup.

2 tablespoons butter: Butter provides richness and a creamy texture to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.

1 yellow onion, diced: Diced onion adds a savory and aromatic base to the soup, contributing to its depth of flavor.

1 tablespoon minced garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a robust and aromatic garlic flavor. No cloves of garlic in the house? You can use approximately 1.5 to 3 teaspoons of garlic powder as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic in your recipe. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the intensity of garlic flavor you desire in the dish. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed, tasting as you go along.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which adds a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile to the soup.

2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes with juice: Whole canned tomatoes with their juices provide the tomato base for the soup, giving it a rich and tangy flavor.

1 ½ cups vegetable broth: Vegetable broth serves as the liquid component of the soup, enhancing its flavor and providing the desired consistency. You could use a rich chicken broth also.

½ cup heavy cream: Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness to the soup, giving it a velvety texture.

1 teaspoon dry basil: Dry basil contributes to the soup’s herbaceous and slightly sweet basil flavor.

Salt & pepper to taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste, balancing the flavors to your liking.

Preparation Steps

Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and sizzle.

Sauté the Onions: Add the diced onions to the pot. Sauté the onions until they become soft and start to brown, typically for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pot.

Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth and add the 2 (28 oz) cans of whole tomatoes, including their juices, into the pot. Stir to combine.

Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low.

Simmer: Cover the pot partially with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together.

Blend Soup: After simmering, use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it becomes smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blending each batch until smooth, and then returning it to the pot.

Incorporate Heavy Cream: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. This addition gives the soup a rich and velvety texture.

Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more if needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy Tomato Basil Soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of heavy cream if desired. Serve your homemade Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Serve the soup hot, garnished with a few basil leaves for a touch of elegance. Your tomato basil soup will have a creamy texture and a rich, herbal aroma that’s simply irresistible. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup, several pairings can enhance the flavors and create a satisfying meal. You’ll find that the rich, creamy texture and the vibrant tang of the tomatoes pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes.

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, provides a delightful contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.

Garnishes:

Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of chopped basil not only adds freshness but also accentuates the basil flavor within the soup.

Parmesan Cheese: A generous dusting of grated Parmesan brings a salty, nutty element that complements the tomato base.

Croutons: For added crunch, top your soup with homemade or store-bought croutons.

Salads:

Classic Caesar: A Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crisp lettuce pairs wonderfully with the acidity of the tomato basil soup.

Simple Greens: A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a bright, refreshing balance to the rich soup.

Consider the following table to create your ideal soup pairing:

For a heartier meal, you might also enjoy a half sandwich alongside your soup. Choose a sandwich with flavors that won’t overpower the gentle notes of tomato and basil. A mozzarella and pesto sandwich on focaccia is an excellent choice that echoes the Italian-inspired flavors of the soup.

Remember, these are just suggestions. Feel free to mix and match to suit your own taste and create your ideal combo. Enjoy your Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup experience with these thoughtfully chosen accompaniments.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers of Newk’s Tomato Basil Soup or any similar creamy soup, follow these steps for safe and effective storage:

Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it. Placing hot soup directly in the refrigerator can raise the internal temperature, affecting other perishable items in the fridge.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftover soup to airtight containers with lids. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before adding the soup.

Portion Control: Consider portioning the soup into smaller containers or freezer-safe bags if you plan to store it for an extended period. This allows you to defrost and reheat only the amount you intend to consume.

Label and Date: Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of the freshness of the soup.

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the soup within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Creamy soups, including those with dairy like heavy cream, can typically be safely stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. To freeze, ensure that the soup has cooled to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Alternatively, use freezer-safe bags and remove excess air before sealing. Frozen creamy soups can be kept for 2 to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator if it was frozen. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Ensure the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Taste Check: After reheating, taste the soup to ensure it still meets your flavor preferences. You may need to adjust the seasonings or consistency if necessary.

By following these storage guidelines, you can maximize the freshness and safety of your leftover tomato basil soup and enjoy it for additional meals.

Newks Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries you might have about making Newk’s tomato basil soup at home, with a focus on ingredients, preparation methods, texture achievement, nutritional content, and adaptations for dietary preferences.

How can I replicate Newk’s tomato basil soup at home?

You can replicate Newk’s tomato basil soup by simmering a blend of ripe tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, basil leaves, and a combination of classic seasonings. Finish the soup with cream to match Newk’s signature taste.

What are the key spices used in a classic tomato basil soup?

A classic tomato basil soup often features spices such as garlic, onion powder, dried or fresh basil, oregano, and a touch of cayenne pepper for warmth. Salt and black pepper are also essential for enhancing the flavors.

How do you achieve the creamy texture in tomato basil soup?

The creamy texture in tomato basil soup is typically achieved by adding heavy cream or a roux made from butter and flour. For a lighter version, you can blend some of the cooked tomatoes and onions to thicken the soup.

Can tomato basil soup be made with canned tomatoes, and how would that compare to using fresh tomatoes?

Tomato basil soup can be made with canned tomatoes, which can save time and provide a consistent flavor year-round. Soups made with canned tomatoes typically have a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor compared to the lighter taste of fresh tomatoes.

Is it possible to make a vegan version of traditional tomato basil soup, and what substitutions would be necessary?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of traditional tomato basil soup by substituting the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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