It is cold here and the kids are home on break so this is a perfect lunch. Actually this soup is the best --- great for company too!
In Texas there is a wonderful restaurant, La Madeleine, that serves the most delicious Tomato Basil Soup. La Madeleine would not reveal the recipe for it's soup, however the recipe was out there. Apparently the company allowed it to be published in a charity cookbook early on, before it became a favorite of everyone. Then one day the recipe appeared in a press kit for La Madeleine's 15th birthday. This recipe was published in the Dallas Morning News and my sweet aunt forwarded it to me. This recipe isn't quite as chunky or as rich as La Madeleine's but it is still soooo good.
La Madeleine Tomato-Basil Soup
Ingredients
4 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped, or 4 cups canned whole tomatoes, crushed
4 cups tomato juice
12 - 14 washed fresh basil leaves, plus additional for garnish, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sweet, unsalted butter, softened
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Crusty bread (optional)
Directions
Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over
medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food
processor. Add basil and process to puree; this will have to be done in
batches.
Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat
until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before
serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve with fresh, crusty
bread. Makes 8 servings.
Per serving: Cal 237 Fat 22g Fiber 1g Chol. 67 mg Sodium 165 mg Carbs 10g Calcium 45g
Recipe by: La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe, Dallas TX
Notes: When I don't have fresh basil I use 1 Tablespoon dried. When making this soup for my family for a quick meal I often use half and half in place of the the heavy cream and cut back on the butter. It is still yummy, but the real thing is divine!
Thanks for taking the time to visit me today!
When in Texas La Madeleine is a must stop. I have never had the soup and thank you for the recipe. The coffee and pastries are a “to die for”. I will now try the soup.
I’ve been looking for a recipe like this for a long time. Applebee’s has a great tomato basil soup that I love, but this sounds even better. Can’t wait to try it.
I make this all the time! It is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
THIS LOOKS SO GOOD! We have a restaurant her in Knoxville, TN that has a soup like this, and I love it! Can’t wait to try it out!
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I lived in TX for 10 years and absolutely loved this soup. Paired with their ceasar salad and strawberries romanoff, you couldn’t ask for a better lunch! Yum!!!!!
I like to make it semi-homade by using the large can of diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano already added. I add the tomatoes, cream, more basil, and a little chicken broth to a blender, make it nice and smooth and heat it up! Love it with grilled cheese!
Oooooh I LOVE La Mad’s tomato basil soup! Thanks so much for posting this… will definitely be making it soon. This cold weather is the perfect time for it!
hmmm-this soup looks delish, but I don’t see how it will fit into my New Years resolutions to lose weight!
Is there anyway to make this healthier? 
Does anyone have a good healthier soup?
Thank you! I made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches yesterday but I will try your recipe next time. Sounds delicious.
Hugs,
Nancy
Oh, that grilled cheese looks so delicious! Is that cheddar? Yum!!!
[...] found a recipe for Tomato-Basil soup today over at Skip to My Lou. I thought I would try it out since it was pretty quick and easy… not to mention I LOVE [...]
Oh my gosh…I just made this tonight after seeing your post. Can I just say this is the most fabulous Tomato-basil soup. I just want to eat the whole darn thing up. I’m doing Weight Watchers and based on your nutrition information it comes out to 6 points per serving. Not too bad…I’ll just have to plan the rest of my meals around this yummy soup. I just want to sit with that whole pot and eat it up. I posted about it on my blog and linked back to you. Thanks again!
I am going to make this for sure and I can’t wait to let you know how it turns out!!
There are La Madeleine restaurants outside of Dallas as well… check out their website. I’m here in Dallas and this is one of my favorite lunch spots… this soup is incredible. Thanks so much for the recipe.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Katherine, ToDoInLA. ToDoInLA said: Tomato Basil Soup « Skip To My Lou: Oooooh I LOVE La Mad's tomato basil soup! Thanks so much f… http://bit.ly/6yugHa #LoveLA #LosAngeles [...]
This is the only tomato soup recipe that I will eat! It is wonderful and always a big hit when I serve it, which is not often because of the cream
This is my all time favorite tomato soup. I am so glad you shared with all of us. It is on my things to make this year. Too bad it isn’t late summer when all the tomatoes are in season.
Annie
Once Upon A Parent
oh. my. goodness. That looks absolutely delicious. Bookmarked.
I made this tonight and it was wonderful. My husband LOVED it!! Thank you for sharing!
Yum! I’ll have to try it out. I love their soup!
Amy in Texas
[...] Tomato Basil Soup from Skip To My Lou (My favorite kind of soup. I WILL try this recipe) [...]
Oh Yes!!! I am a Texas Gal and this is so wonderful!! Their French Onion Soup is also very good!! Thanks for finding it and posting it up!!