This is a really delicious soup! However, I add a LOT more basil leaves, and leave them in with the rest of the soup. The balsamic vinegar is a must - adds a nice sweetness to the overall taste.

My all time favorite soup. I double it when making it for more than two people because it is a HUGE hit with everyone that tries it. WONDERFUL recipe!

The soup is fantastic however in the end when I added the balsamic vinegar and the cream, it curdled. I understand milk curdles with acid like lemon juice and the tomatoes are very acidic but I feel I must have done something wrong. If you can offer any comments I would greatly appreciate that.

This soup has great "bones". I can't resist making it my own, but I think I stayed true to the spirit. Cooked four slices of bacon for garnish and for bacon fat to saute the veg. Added a grated carrot and one diced potato, chopped parsley, 1/2 jalapeno. One can diced tomatoes and 4 fresh ones. Garlic instead of shallots. Cooked about 1/2 hour and pureed with stick blender. Everything else I kept the same. Oh I made fresh croutons. This a superb fresh tasting soup with a bit of zing. Make it!

Gorgeous soup. Best tomato soup I've ever had, has become a regular in our household!

This soup is amazing!! I do add fresh garlic & more basil, but that's my only variation. This is my mom's favorite soup when she's sick or on a liquid diet. I'll end up making it, at least, 2 - 4 times every time I'm nursing her back to health. I found this recipe about 10 years ago. Best tomato basil soup I've ever made! Thanks so much for sharing!!