Quick & Easy Italian Tomato Soup

Taking just a few minutes to prepare, this quick and easy Italian tomato soup is the perfect meal for when you're craving something comforting yet light.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and sauté until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute or so until fragrant.

After the onions have softened, pour in the crushed tomatoes from the can, ensuring you mix everything together well. Add a splash of water to prevent your soup from becoming too thick and to help with easy stirring while cooking.

Tips and Variations

• To enhance flavor further, consider adding some freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are particularly sour.
• For an extra kick, you can also add red pepper flakes at the very end after blending the soup for a bit more heat.
• If you prefer your tomato soup to be smoother, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture right in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a regular blender and back into the pot once blended smooth.

Optional Garnishes

Garnishing is optional but can make all the difference in presentation! A few fresh basil leaves on top will add color and freshness to your dish. Some grated Parmesan cheese could also complement the richness of the tomatoes beautifully, especially if you're serving this alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls.

Storage Tips

This homemade tomato soup can last for up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container inside your refrigerator. If you wish to extend its shelf life even further, consider freezing it into portions that you can easily reheat later on. To freeze, allow the soup to cool down first before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.

When reheating, simply add a bit more water if needed and bring back to desired consistency with your chosen blender method. You could also experiment by adding other ingredients such as diced carrots for extra texture or some crumbled sausage for added flavor – perfect for turning this into a hearty Italian meatball soup variation!

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its potential cardiovascular benefits and ability to fight against certain types of cancer. Consuming this homemade tomato soup can thus contribute to overall health maintenance without adding unnecessary sugars or unhealthy fats.

In conclusion, making your own Italian tomato soup at home not only saves money but also ensures that you know exactly what goes into each serving. Whether enjoyed on its own as a light meal or used as an accompaniment for other dishes like grilled chicken or pasta, this versatile dish remains a favorite among many.