Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Name: Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped carrots; 1 cup finely chopped onions; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with juice, preferably San Marzano tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves, or more to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 3-inch wide baguette, cut diagonally into about 20 (1/2-inch) slices; 4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 Tablespoon minced Italian flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; fresh basil leaves (optional)

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice, preferably San Marzano tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaves, or more to taste
1 cup heavy cream

Crostini

1 (3 inch) wide baguette, cut diagonally into about 20 (1/2-inch) slices
4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a 3 to 4-quart pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
Pour in the tomatoes with their juice, followed by vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
Add minced fresh basil and cream. Stir and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
Using a stick blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
For the crostini, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the baguette slices on it.
In a bowl, mix the butter, granulated garlic, salt, and minced parsley until well combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix to form a paste.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the garlic-Parmesan paste on each baguette slice.
Bake the crostini in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crispy.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with the garlic-Parmesan crostini. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 519
Total Fat: 30g (38% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 16g (80% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 69mg (23% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1139mg (50% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 53g (19% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 13g (26% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 16mg (18% Daily Value)
Calcium: 170mg (13% Daily Value)
Iron: 4mg (23% Daily Value)
Potassium: 442mg (9% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

History and Origin of Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup

Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup traces its roots to the upscale caf menus of the Nordstrom department stores in the United States. Introduced as a signature comfort dish, this soup became widely recognized for its smooth texture and balanced flavor, combining the acidity of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic freshness of basil. Over time, it evolved into a popular copycat recipe for home cooks seeking the same caf experience in their kitchens.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While tomato basil soup is enjoyed globally, the version popularized by Nordstrom reflects a distinctly American adaptation of Italian-inspired flavors. The use of San Marzano-style canned tomatoes, heavy cream for richness, and finely chopped carrots and onions for natural sweetness creates a creamy yet subtly sweet profile. In contrast, Mediterranean versions might be lighter, relying more on olive oil and fresh herbs without the addition of cream.

How It Differs from Similar Soups

Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup stands apart from traditional tomato soups through its luxurious texture and layered flavors. Unlike standard tomato soups that may rely heavily on broth or tomatoes alone, this recipe incorporates both sauted vegetables and cream, achieving a velvety consistency. The addition of crostini with garlic, Parmesan, and parsley provides a complementary crunch, distinguishing it from simpler, smooth tomato soups.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This soup is typically served in Nordstrom cafs, often as part of a lunch special or light entre. It pairs exceptionally well with sandwiches, particularly grilled cheese, and is frequently garnished with fresh basil for presentation. Beyond department stores, it has found a place in home kitchens and casual bistros seeking approachable, flavorful comfort foods.

Interesting Facts

The original recipe was developed to mirror the popular caf-style soups of Nordstrom, allowing shoppers to enjoy a gourmet experience while taking a break from shopping.
San Marzano tomatoes are often preferred for their naturally low acidity and rich flavor, contributing to the soup's smooth and slightly sweet taste.
Culinary enthusiasts sometimes add unique toppings like crispy bacon, roasted garlic, or a swirl of pesto to elevate the soup further.
Though many tomato soups are purely vegetarian, Nordstroms version balances flavor and creaminess without overpowering the delicate basil aroma.
The crostini accompaniment is inspired by European traditions, combining bread with butter, garlic, and cheese to enhance the dining experience.

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FAQ about Nordstrom's Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Leftover tomato basil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to thin the soup to your desired consistency.

Yes, tomato basil soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove.

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the soup. However, keep in mind that this may affect the richness and texture of the soup. For a dairy-free version, you can try coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

If the soup tastes too acidic, you can balance it by adding a small amount of sweetener like sugar or honey, or a pinch of baking soda. You can also increase the amount of fresh basil to add a bit more sweetness and depth.

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you're ready to serve.

This tomato basil soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, a simple green salad, or even a warm baguette for dipping. You can also top the soup with crumbled bacon, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, although fresh basil gives the soup a brighter, more aromatic flavor. Use about 1/3 of the amount when substituting dried for fresh (i.e., 1 tablespoon of fresh basil is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of dried basil).

Crostini can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, avoid storing them in plastic bags. If they lose their crunch, you can briefly reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.

Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly in this soup. In fact, many recipes recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano tomatoes, as they are sweeter and more flavorful than fresh tomatoes, especially out of season.

If you prefer a spicier version of this soup, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure you don't overpower the other flavors.

Comments

Linda Clark

12/20/2024 07:40:20 PM

I have high standards when it comes to Tomato Basil Soup, and this recipe exceeded my expectations! I made it for a family dinner and it was a hit with everyone. Instead of making the crostini, I paired it with grilled cheese sandwiches, which was a perfect combination. I'm sure the crostini would also be delicious with it. Thank you, Brenda, for sharing your wonderful recipe!

Joseph Hill

12/16/2022 07:58:29 PM

I'm not a big fan of tomato soup myself, but my family absolutely adores it, and this one was a hit with them too! They raved about the delicious flavors and creamy texture of this uncomplicated soup. I paired it with some tomato basil bread and made crostini, and it was a delightful combination! I will certainly be making this dish again.

Scott Gomez

05/24/2025 09:20:59 PM

After sampling and seasoning in step 3, I decided to increase the amount of salt and basil, and also added a touch of sweetener to balance out the acidity. Instead of making the crostini, I served the soup with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

Brenda Hall

05/28/2025 01:32:39 AM

Amazing! I followed the recipe to a tee and it turned out fantastic. My family absolutely adored it. I'm already planning to make it again, and I think adding some crunchy fried bacon on top of each serving will elevate the flavors even more!

Justin Roberts

08/30/2022 04:19:28 PM

I followed the recipe closely but made a few adjustments by adding garlic and extra salt. The heavy cream balanced out the acidity of the tomatoes and added a touch of sweetness. I will certainly be making it again!

Janet Brown

11/14/2022 01:01:08 PM

I opted for extra tomatoes and substituted heavy cream with half and half in my recipe.

Dennis Anderson

12/06/2022 05:05:19 AM

Simple to prepare, delicious flavors. I follow new recipes exactly as written the first time - No modifications required.

Lisa Robinson

04/02/2023 09:30:59 AM

I recently made this tomato soup paired with grilled cheese sandwiches. It was decent, but didn't quite blow me away. I roughly chopped the onions and carrots initially, then used a food processor to finely chop them separately. I also used the food processor to blend the tomatoes. The seasoning in the recipe was spot on. Surprisingly, the carrots turned out to be the highlight of the dish. My husband even thought it tasted more like a carrot soup than a tomato one. Personally, I enjoyed it, but I was hoping for a stronger tomato flavor. If you're a fan of carrots, then this soup is definitely worth a try.

Gary Davis

09/04/2023 02:07:36 AM

This dish is incredibly tasty and simple to prepare. My son, who is an adult, mentioned that he would happily enjoy it every week if I cook it that frequently!

Jack Roberts

08/07/2024 02:12:45 AM

I thought this soup was incredibly delicious. I followed the recipe exactly as it was written and it turned out amazing. This recipe is definitely a keeper. Thank you for sharing it.

Raymond Robinson

12/24/2023 02:06:46 AM

I absolutely adore it. Thank you!

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Cook Time: 45 minutes