Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup

• •56 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• •4 cup vegetable broth
• •1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• •4 garlic cloves, minced
• •1 tablespoon olive oil
• •1 teaspoon dried basil
• •0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• •1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• •0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• •0.3 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• •0.5 cup heavy cream
• • to taste fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.

2. 2

   Stir all ingredients well to combine. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

3. 3

   Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the onions are very tender and the flavors have melded.

4. 4

   Once cooked, carefully remove the lid. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the slow cooker until it is completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the slow cooker.

5. 5

   Stir in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated and the soup is uniformly creamy.

6. 6

   Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar) as needed to your preference.

7. 7

   Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For an even deeper flavor, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the olive oil in a skillet on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
• 💡To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
• 💡This soup is perfect when served with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, crusty bread, or a simple side salad.
• 💡Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.