How to Make a Delicious Italian Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is not just a soup; it's an aromatic blend of tomatoes and fresh basil, flavored with garlic and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dish makes for the perfect meal on a chilly evening or a quick lunch. It is also very versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments such as grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even served with a salad.

The recipe below will yield about 4 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The entire cooking process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete from start to finish, including preparation time and simmering the soup on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes (about 3 medium-sized ones)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves
• A dash of red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Heavy cream for serving (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing onions and garlic
• Garnish: shredded Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, or toasted pine nuts

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil to your pan.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat if necessary to avoid burning the onions.

3. Once the onions are soft and slightly golden in color, add the minced garlic cloves and stir well for another minute or so, ensuring not to let them burn. Garlic burns easily, which can spoil the taste of your dish.

4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Stir gently and bring everything to a boil. Lower the heat immediately after it starts bubbling and simmer for around 20 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning on the bottom of your pan.

5. After 20 minutes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the mixture into a regular blender and blend thoroughly before returning it back to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids as steam may build up rapidly.

6. Add salt and black pepper according to your preference. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes during this step as well. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning accordingly; remember that the flavors will intensify after adding cream if you choose to use one later on.

7. If using heavy cream for added richness, stir it into the hot soup right before serving. This ensures the cream doesn’t separate from other ingredients as it warms up again upon being heated back up when ladling out portions of your delicious tomato basil soup.

Final Touches and Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a grind or two of black pepper, some toasted pine nuts for texture contrast, or any other garnish you fancy. Serve warm alongside crusty breadsticks or slices of baguette to soak up every last drop of this comforting soup.

This Tomato Basil Soup recipe is not only easy to follow but also extremely satisfying and packed with flavors that will transport you right into the heart of Italy without leaving your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade meal, whether it's a cozy dinner at home or shared among friends and family!