Delicious Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a classic favorite among many food enthusiasts. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this soup a must-have in your winter meal rotation. In this article, you will learn how to make this delicious tomato basil soup that not only tastes amazing but is also simple to prepare.

This hearty soup is rich with the depth of tomatoes and the freshness of basil leaves. You can easily adjust it according to your taste preferences by adding more or less ingredients as desired. Let's dive into the details of how to make this flavorful and nutritious soup.

Ingredients

3 medium ripe tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan version)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
Cream (optional) - this will add a rich and smooth texture to the soup

Instructions

Start by chopping your tomatoes into small pieces. This can be done either manually or with a food processor.
In a large pot, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic; sauté until they become translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes into the pot along with chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat down to simmer, cover the pot and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the vegetables are soft enough to be easily mashed up.
Once the soup has cooked for 20 minutes, use an immersion blender to blend all of your ingredients directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture into a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids; it’s best to do so in batches if necessary.
Return the blended soup back to low heat on your stove top. Stir in salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh basil leaves. If you prefer creamier texture, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream towards the end of cooking time. Taste the soup; adjust seasoning if needed.
Now that everything is combined well, let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until flavors meld together nicely without letting the mixture overheat or boil again after adding in any dairy products.

The tomato basil soup is now ready to serve! Pour your warm and delicious homemade soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with extra fresh chopped basil for an added touch of color and freshness.

Cooking Time & Serving Size

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, including preparation time. You can expect a generous yield of about 6 servings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values per Serving)

Calories: 180 kcal

Total Fat: 9 g
Protein: 5 g
Carb: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 620 mg

This tomato basil soup is a wholesome dish packed full of essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, along with lycopene which has numerous health benefits including heart protection. It’s also low in calories but rich in fiber which aids digestion.

Tips for Success

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes will give you the best flavor possible, while garlic and onions add depth to your soup.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go along; it's important that each serving is properly seasoned so everyone enjoys their bowl of soup.
Save time: You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, especially if you are working within a busy schedule. Chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to use.

Conclusion

Homemade tomato basil soup is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to make. It's perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm, filling, and full of flavor without breaking the bank. Whether enjoyed as a meal on its own or paired with some crusty bread or garlic toast, this recipe truly shines in bringing everyone together at the dinner table.

Give it a try next time you're looking for comfort food that tastes amazing but also has health benefits. Who knows? You might just find yourself making it more often than your go-to takeout options!