How to Make a Delicious Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of the most popular and delicious recipes around the world. Known for its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this soup is perfect for all skill levels in the kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through how to prepare this comforting dish step-by-step.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 3 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer flavor (not included in calorie count)

Cooking time: Approximately 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Tomato Basil Soup

To start: Begin by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan. Stir frequently until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Once softened, add fresh tomatoes into the mixture along with chicken broth or water. Stir well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the liquid base.

Adding Flavor:

Add salt, black pepper, dried basil leaves, and bay leaf to enhance flavor depth. These spices not only complement each other but also provide essential nutritional benefits as well.

Simmering Process:

Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until tomatoes break down into a smooth sauce-like consistency. During this time, make sure to occasionally stir the mixture to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pan.

Making It Creamy:

If you prefer your soup creamier without adding extra calories from heavy cream, use an immersion blender or transfer some of the soup back into a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return it all back into the pot to combine flavors again.

After blending or simmering, remove the bay leaf as it isn't needed anymore after serving. Taste test and adjust seasoning according to preference before serving hot with crusty bread!

Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

1. For an extra burst of flavor, consider roasting your tomatoes in the oven prior to adding them into the soup base. Roasting concentrates sweetness and adds a deeper taste profile.

2. You can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. To reduce cooking time slightly while maintaining texture integrity, use canned tomatoes which are already prepared in sauce form rather than fresh ones. Just be mindful that this will change the overall consistency somewhat since they're not blended as much during preparation.

Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Soup

This simple yet versatile dish offers various health benefits due to its key ingredients:

• Fiber Content: Tomatoes are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and supports heart health when consumed regularly.
• Vitamin A & C: Both tomatoes and basil are excellent sources of vitamin A and C, both essential for maintaining healthy skin, boosting immunity, and supporting eye health.
• Magnesium: Basil contains magnesium which helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone density.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy tomato basil soup on its own as a light lunch or dinner meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein content, or serve alongside whole grain breadsticks if you want something more substantial during your meal.

To finish off any meal beautifully, top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves. This not only enhances visual appeal but also adds freshness to your dish.