How to Make a Hearty Tomato Basil Soup

Taste the Flavor: Enjoy the rich flavor of tomatoes and aromatic basil in this comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients Needed:

List of Ingredients:

1. One medium-sized onion, chopped finely
2. Two cloves garlic, minced finely
3. Three cups of fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped
4. Half a cup of dry basil leaves
5. A pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning
6. Freshly ground black pepper to taste
7. One tablespoon of olive oil or butter
8. Two and a half cups of vegetable stock (or water)
9. Optional: A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor

Steps to Make Tomato Basil Soup:

Begin with Preparing the Ingredients:

To start, finely chop the onion and garlic. These shall be your base for creating a delicious soup. Next, roughly chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces; this step ensures that they will cook evenly.

Mix in the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and stir continuously until the onions become translucent, usually around 5 minutes. The softening of these ingredients will give your soup its foundational flavor.

Add Tomato for Taste:

Once the onions are softened, add the chopped tomatoes into the pot. Stir them well to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. At this point, you can also sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Continue stirring until the tomatoes begin to release their juices.

Incorporate Basil and Stock:

Now it’s time to add half a cup of dry basil leaves to your pot. The aroma of fresh herbs like basil will make the soup more flavorful and aromatic. Follow this with two and a half cups of vegetable stock (or water). Stir everything together, cover the pot, and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, let the flavors meld together perfectly.

Blend to Achieve Desired Consistency:

The next step is blending the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. Use an immersion blender if you have one; alternatively, transfer half of the soup into a regular blender and blend until smooth before combining it back with the remaining half.

Optional Enhancements:

Taste and Adjust:

After blending the soup, taste it to determine whether any additional seasoning is required. A splash of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can elevate the flavors significantly. Alternatively, a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper could add an extra layer of spice.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy with Crusty Bread:

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast. For added texture, consider serving the soup in warm bowls to help draw out its flavors even more.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

If you have extra servings, store it in an airtight container within your refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for future use. To reheat the soup without losing its texture, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.

Conclusion:

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p>Tomato Basil Soup: A versatile and comforting meal that is not only quick to prepare but also packed with rich flavors from tomatoes and aromatic basil. It’s a perfect choice for any time you need something warm, satisfying, and delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful taste of summer year-round!