Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

This soup blends ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy coconut milk for a smooth, comforting texture. Sautéed onions and garlic build depth while herbs and a touch of spice enhance flavor. The garlic sourdough dippers, toasted to golden crispness and rubbed with fresh garlic, add a satisfying crunch that complements the soup’s silky base. Perfect for a cozy evening, this dish balances freshness and richness with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Updated on Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:45:28 GMT
A steaming bowl of vegan creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of coconut milk, served alongside golden garlic sourdough dippers. Pin
A steaming bowl of vegan creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of coconut milk, served alongside golden garlic sourdough dippers. | forkandbloom.com

Experience the ultimate plant-based comfort with this Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. This velvety dish brings together the deep, savory flavors of canned whole peeled tomatoes and aromatic garlic, balanced by the luscious creaminess of coconut milk. Served with golden, garlic-infused sourdough dippers, it is the perfect meal for cozy evenings when you crave something warm, nourishing, and effortless to prepare.

A steaming bowl of vegan creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of coconut milk, served alongside golden garlic sourdough dippers. Pin
A steaming bowl of vegan creamy tomato basil soup with a swirl of coconut milk, served alongside golden garlic sourdough dippers. | forkandbloom.com

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By simmering the tomatoes with vegetable broth, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes, the soup develops a complex flavor profile that tastes like it has been cooking all day. The finishing touch of fresh basil leaves blended directly into the soup adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich tomato base.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (400 g / 14 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened canned coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • 4 thick slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for bread)
  • 2 cloves garlic, halved
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes.
Step 4
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes.
Step 5
Stir in the coconut milk and fresh basil leaves, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 7
While the soup simmers, prepare the dippers by brushing sourdough slices with olive oil and toasting them in a broiler or grill pan until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
Step 8
Rub the warm toasted bread with the cut sides of the halved garlic cloves, then slice into strips.
Step 9
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with extra basil, and serve immediately with the garlic sourdough dippers.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve a deeper, more concentrated flavor, you can roast fresh tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the saucepan. When blending the soup, if you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the liquid to a regular blender in small batches, ensuring the lid is vented to allow steam to escape.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer an alternative to coconut milk, oat cream or cashew cream work exceptionally well and offer a milder flavor profile. For those who enjoy a hint of smokiness, adding a pinch of smoked paprika during the simmering stage provides a lovely depth to the broth.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is best enjoyed hot, paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to balance the richness of the coconut milk. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve it alongside sparkling water with a fresh lemon wedge. Ensure you have plenty of extra sourdough dippers on hand, as they are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the velvety soup.

Velvety vegan tomato basil soup infused with fresh herbs and coconut milk, paired with crisp, garlicky sourdough toast strips. Pin
Velvety vegan tomato basil soup infused with fresh herbs and coconut milk, paired with crisp, garlicky sourdough toast strips. | forkandbloom.com

With 340 calories per serving and a protein boost from the sourdough, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether it is a rainy afternoon or a quiet weeknight, this Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. Enjoy the perfect crunch of garlic bread dipped into every creamy spoonful!

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Recipe Q&A

What gives this soup its creamy texture?

The creamy texture comes from unsweetened canned coconut milk, which blends smoothly with cooked tomatoes and fresh basil for a velvety finish.

Can I substitute the sourdough dippers?

Yes, gluten-free bread or other crusty breads can be used. Just brush with olive oil and toast until crisp before rubbing with garlic.

How is the garlic flavor infused into the dippers?

After toasting, the sourdough slices are rubbed with halved garlic cloves, imparting a fresh, aromatic garlic flavor without overpowering.

What herbs are used in the soup seasoning?

Fresh basil and dried oregano add herbal brightness, while optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle spicy kick.

How long does the entire preparation take?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with 35 minutes cooking time, totaling around 50 minutes for a flavorful dish.

Vegan Creamy Tomato Basil

Velvety tomato basil soup paired with garlic-infused sourdough dippers for a cozy, flavorful meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegan, Dairy-free

Components

For the Soup

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 cans (14 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
05 1 cup vegetable broth
06 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
07 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
09 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
10 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
13 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

For the Garlic Sourdough Dippers

01 4 thick slices sourdough bread
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 cloves garlic, halved

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.

Step 02

Build Flavor Foundation: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Develop Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add canned tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar if using, and red pepper flakes.

Step 04

Simmer Soup Base: Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Infuse Basil and Cream: Add coconut milk and fresh basil leaves, then simmer for 5 minutes more.

Step 06

Blend to Creamy Consistency: Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy, working in batches if using a regular blender. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Prepare Garlic Dippers: Preheat oven broiler or grill pan. Brush both sides of sourdough slices with olive oil and toast until golden and crisp, approximately 2 minutes per side.

Step 08

Finish Bread: Rub warm toasted bread with cut sides of garlic cloves and slice into strips for dipping.

Step 09

Plate and Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve alongside garlic sourdough dippers.

Necessary tools

  • Large saucepan
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Bread knife
  • Baking sheet or grill pan
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains gluten from sourdough bread
  • Contains coconut from coconut milk
  • Use gluten-free bread alternative if required

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbs: 40 g
  • Protein: 6 g