A warm bowl of tomato and basil soup is just what a cold day calls for: easy to make, perfect for preparing in advance, and packed with vegetables. This version is entirely plant-based, made with puréed tomatoes, carrots and onions, and finished with a creamy touch of coconut milk instead of cream. Below you’ll find the full recipe, step-by-step instructions and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What is vegan tomato and basil soup?
Vegan tomato and basil soup is a smooth, plant-based soup made with sieved tomatoes and tomato purée, carrot, onion and fresh basil. The creaminess comes from coconut milk, which keeps the soup dairy-free without the need for cream. It’s a simple, hearty soup that freezes well and can be stored in individual portions, ideal after a long day at work or a workout.
The carrot and onion give the soup a natural, gentle sweetness, whilst the tomato purée adds depth. The basil is added right at the end to preserve its fresh aroma.
Why use coconut milk instead of cream?
Coconut milk makes the soup creamy and keeps it completely plant-based, without any dairy. You only need half a tin: enough for a velvety texture, without the coconut flavour overpowering the tomato. If you’d prefer a lighter soup, use a little less coconut milk and a dash of extra stock.
What do you need?
The quantities below are enough for around 4 people as a main course.
- A dash of vegetable oil
- 2 tins of tomato purée
- 400 ml sieved tomatoes
- Vegetable stock (about 750 ml)
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 to 2 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh basil
- Hot paprika to taste
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- Half a tin of coconut milk
How do you make vegan tomato and basil soup?
In short: sweat the onion and garlic, briefly fry the carrot and tomato purée, thicken with flour, pour in the stock and sieved tomatoes, and finish with coconut milk. Allow about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Finely chop the onion and fry it in a large pan with a generous amount of oil and a clove of garlic.
- Grate the carrots and add them with a little paprika. Leave to cook for a few minutes.
- Add the tomato purée and fry briefly to remove the acidity, which takes away the sharp taste.
- Add the flour and cook for a moment. Then pour in the stock and stir until smooth.
- Add the sieved tomatoes, followed by the coconut milk. Leave the soup to simmer gently.
- Purée the soup or pass it through a sieve to remove the pieces of onion and carrot.
- Return the smooth soup to the pan, stir in some chopped basil and reheat thoroughly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a little coconut milk.
Variations and tips
This soup is versatile: adjust the thickness with more or less stock, and the spiciness with the paprika. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip straining and only partially purée the soup.
- Freezing: divide the cooled soup into individual containers, so you’ll always have a portion ready to go.
- Extra vegetables: frying half a red pepper or a stick of celery along with the other ingredients gives the soup a richer flavour.
- Serving: delicious with a slice of crusty (sourdough) bread, some croutons or a fresh salad on the side.
- Add more protein: this is a vegetable soup and contains little protein on its own. Serve it with a protein-rich side dish such as pulses or tofu. If you’d like to read more about protein in your diet, take a look at the benefits of protein powder.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tomato and basil soup vegan?
Yes. All the ingredients are plant-based and the creamy texture comes from coconut milk rather than cream or other dairy products.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, that’s fine. Let the soup cool down first, divide it into individual containers and store it in the freezer for up to about three months.
Why do you fry the tomato purée first?
By frying the tomato purée for a few minutes (to remove the acidity), the sharp, sour taste disappears and you get a rounder, fuller tomato flavour.
What do you serve tomato and basil soup with?
Delicious with a slice of crusty bread, some croutons or a fresh salad on the side. If you want to turn it into a complete meal, pair the soup with a side dish of pulses or tofu.
How much protein does this soup provide?
As it’s a vegetable soup, it’s low in protein. If you want to increase your protein intake, pair the soup with a side dish of pulses or tofu, or find out how much protein you need each day.
Fancy some more plant-based inspiration? Check out our protein-rich smoothie recipes.
