How to Make a Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a beloved classic that can be found in many households during cooler months or anytime one just wants something comforting and richly flavored. This article will guide you through the steps of making your own tomato basil soup from scratch, ensuring it's perfect every time.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Servings: 6 generous portions

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: heavy cream (for a creamy texture)

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Add the minced garlic to the pot with the onions and cook for another minute or two; let the flavors meld together as you stir.

Now add the diced tomatoes. You can use fresh ones or canned peeled tomatoes, whichever is more convenient. Cook everything gently until the mixture reaches a simmer.

Making Soup Creamy (Optional)

1. After the soup has cooked for about 20 minutes and thickened up slightly, you may want to add some heavy cream or coconut milk if you prefer your tomato basil soup to be more creamy. Stir it in gently until the mixture is smooth.
2. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the hot soup into a blender, blend until smooth, then pour it back into the pot. This technique helps create a rich and velvety texture without compromising on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This tomato basil soup pairs excellently with warm bread or crusty baguettes. For an extra treat, consider serving it alongside a side salad of mixed greens dressed lightly. It also makes a delightful starter course for a dinner party.

Once you have reached the desired consistency and flavor (saltiness to taste), remove from heat.

Taste test the soup before adding pepper or salt according to your preference, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional content of this recipe is dependent on the type and amount of ingredients used. Generally speaking, each serving contains approximately 300 calories, with around 15 grams of total fat. It provides significant amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Storage

If you have extra tomato basil soup that you don't plan on eating right away, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for longer storage.

Tips & Tricks

1. For an even richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought varieties. The complexity and depth of flavors that you can achieve are unparalleled!
2. A fresh handful of basil at the end of cooking adds freshness; however, if you prefer a milder taste, reduce this quantity accordingly.

Tomato basil soup is not just about the ingredients or technique used but also about capturing the essence of simplicity and warmth. Each spoonful should transport you back to cozy evenings spent with family or friends enjoying good food together.

So why not give it a try today? With these simple steps, you too can enjoy a bowl of homemade tomato basil soup that will leave everyone asking for seconds!