How to Make a Delicious Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic dish that many people love. It’s comforting, rich in flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this tomato basil soup is sure to impress. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings and takes around 30 minutes of active cooking time.

To start making your tomato basil soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches boiling point, reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until the soup thickens slightly. During this time, ensure that you stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
5. Add salt, black pepper, and sugar according to your taste preferences. Stir again.
6. Using an immersion blender (or transfer half of the mixture into a regular blender), blend until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids as it may splatter.
7. Return the blended soup back to the pot and add fresh basil leaves, stirring gently.
8. If you prefer your soup with a bit more texture or want to thicken it up slightly without overcooking further, you can stir in some heavy cream at this stage. Alternatively, for those following a low-fat diet, you could use a splash of half-and-half instead.
9. Warm the soup gently again before serving hot. Garnish with extra basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• If you enjoy more heat in your dishes, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers.
• For those who prefer their vegetables finely textured but still want some added fiber and nutrition, you can roast sliced carrots and zucchini ahead of time. These roasted veggies can be mixed into the soup just before serving for a delightful crunch along with the smooth consistency.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This tomato basil soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some crusty bread. Its rich flavors are enhanced by the combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and savory herbs. Feel free to customize it based on your tastes and dietary needs!