Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that everyone can enjoy any time of the year. This delicious recipe provides rich flavors and warm aromas to make your day special.

Ingredients required for this dish are tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, olive oil, and sugar. Preparing tomato basil soup is a delightful experience that combines simplicity with the best taste.

Preparation Steps

1. Clean and chop 4 medium-sized tomatoes into small pieces. Chop approximately two cups of fresh basil leaves for garnishing the final dish.
2. In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance out the acidity of tomatoes later on in the process.
4. Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth into the pot, then add the tomato pieces, salt, pepper, and cooked basil. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes have softened completely.
5. Blend the soup using a handheld immersion blender to get smooth texture; alternatively, you can transfer half of the mixture to a regular blender and blend it before returning everything back into the pot.

Cooking Time and Servings

The preparation time for this recipe is about 30 minutes while cooking takes approximately 15-20 minutes. This dish makes enough soup for four servings, which can easily be doubled if you have more guests or want leftovers.

How to Enjoy Your Tomato Basil Soup?

• Taste the homemade tomato basil soup and add more salt and pepper as needed before serving it hot.
• You can serve the soup in a wide, deep bowl with a few fresh basil leaves on top. Garnish it with grated Parmesan cheese or croutons to enhance its taste further.

Nutritional Information

This hearty and comforting meal is packed with vitamins A & C from tomatoes; the antioxidants help fight free radicals in your body. Basil adds fiber, minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and folate to this soup, which contributes significantly towards a healthy diet.

Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Soup

Taking time out for self-care by eating nutritious meals is essential for maintaining good health. Here are some reasons why having tomato basil soup can be beneficial:

• Improves digestion: Fiber present in the ingredients supports digestive health and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
• Promotes heart health: The antioxidants found in tomatoes contribute to reducing bad cholesterol levels in your blood, thus promoting overall cardiovascular wellness.

Conclusion

Tomato basil soup is not just a simple dish; it's an opportunity to indulge in wholesome goodness. Its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners at home to elegant brunches or light lunches served with sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this recipe and share the joy of cooking delicious meals with family and friends!