How to Make a Flavorful Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of those comforting dishes that everyone loves. This creamy and flavorful soup can be enjoyed on chilly evenings or as a refreshing treat during warmer months. Here’s how you can create your own delicious tomato basil soup right at home.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
• Optional: Heavy cream for added richness (optional)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Steps to Make Tomato Basil Soup

1. Begin by finely chopping the onion and mincing garlic. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Once the onions are soft, add the diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything together. Allow this mixture to cook for another 5 minutes or so until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.

4. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, and dried basil into the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

5. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes until all flavors meld together and the soup thickens slightly. Taste as you go along, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

6. For an extra creamy texture, you may opt to puree some of the soup using a blender or immersion blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids; let it cool down enough first for safety reasons.

7. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and a dollop of heavy cream for extra richness.

Healthy Tips & Variations

To make this soup even more nutritious, consider using low-sodium vegetable broth instead of regular stock. You can also try adding other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enhance the flavor profile. For those who prefer a lighter version without cream, you could add a touch of yogurt at the end which not only adds thickness but also brings a delightful sour note enhancing overall taste.

This versatile soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread on the side, turning it into a full meal. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, or casual dinner parties where you want to impress guests with homemade comfort food.

Storage Instructions

• Fresh Soup: Once cooled completely, store the soup in an airtight container inside your refrigerator. It should last for up to four days.
• Cooked & Frozen Soup: For long-term storage, allow the soup to cool down before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can enjoy homemade tomato basil soup all year round without having to cook fresh every time!

The next time you feel like enjoying a hearty bowl of something warm and satisfying yet light at the same time—try making this simple yet delectable tomato basil soup! Whether served as a starter or main course, it offers that perfect balance of simplicity and complexity.