Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Cooking up a batch of Tomato Basil Soup is an excellent way to warm you up during colder months or simply enjoy the rich flavors any time of year. This simple yet comforting recipe uses only a few common ingredients that are easily found in most grocery stores. Perfect for a quick dinner, this tomato basil soup makes for a delightful and satisfying meal.

The preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, with an additional simmering time on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the flavors meld perfectly. Yield: This recipe serves four people comfortably.

Ingredients You'll Need

3 cups of chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
A dash of sugar (optional)
Cream for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped onion and garlic cloves. Stir occasionally to ensure they do not stick or burn.

Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring continuously until aromatic. Then, incorporate the chopped tomatoes into this mix, along with a dash of sugar if desired.

Stirring frequently is important at this stage to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth as you continue stirring everything together well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot partially, allowing it to cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Once the soup has simmered sufficiently and thickened slightly due to reduced volume from evaporation, taste it and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. At this point, you can also blend half of your tomato basil mixture using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth. Return the blended portion back into the pot.

If desired for added richness, stir in some cream towards the end; otherwise, enjoy as is for a lighter version. Adjust seasoning one last time if necessary before serving immediately hot with fresh herbs like basil chiffonade sprinkled on top if you have any left over from making the soup.

Optional Garnishes & Serving Suggestions

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons or toasted baguette slices
Torn fresh basil leaves for garnish
A swirl of extra virgin olive oil

Serving this tomato basil soup is delightful with a side salad, crusty bread, or even as an accompaniment to grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're looking for more ways to use up leftovers from making the soup, consider freezing portions in individual containers for future meals.

Tips for Success: Always ensure all vegetables are cut uniformly so they cook evenly throughout the soup process. Also, remember that adding a touch of sugar can help balance out acidity in tomatoes and enhance overall flavor complexity.

Storage Tips

This tomato basil soup can be stored safely in an airtight container within your refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, cool the soup completely first before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Frozen portions last approximately three months when properly wrapped.

Conclusion

Enjoy this Tomato Basil Soup as a comforting and delicious meal for all seasons! It’s easy to customize according to your taste buds, whether you prefer it with more spices or just simple. Try experimenting by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired. Bon Appétit!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: Not required before serving
Serving Size: 4 servings