Simple Yet Flavorful Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a comforting, richly flavored dish that can be enjoyed as both a hearty main course or a light side to any meal. Whether you're craving something warm and savory on a chilly evening or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this soup is ideal. In this guide, we will walk through the steps necessary to prepare a delicious tomato basil soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a richer texture)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutesNumber of Servings: 4

Preparation Steps:

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients and equipment. Ensure all vegetables are washed properly before chopping.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will help to soften the onions and develop their natural sweetness.

3. Add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another minute or two until fragrant but not browned.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, ground black pepper, and dried basil. Allow this mixture to come to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes. The longer you cook the soup, the more intense the flavors will be.

5. While your main ingredients are cooking, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, blending until smooth before returning it to the pot. Be cautious when blending hot liquids as the steam may cause splashing.

6. Once the soup has been simmered for 20 minutes and is richly flavored, you can add heavy cream if desired. Stir this into the soup gently so that it does not curdle. If your soup appears too thick or not satisfying enough, you can thin it out with additional vegetable broth to reach a consistency of your liking.

7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to personal preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Bowls of crusty bread can be served alongside this soup to soak up every last bit of the savory broth.

This tomato basil soup is not only a delightful dish but also incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even simply as an accompaniment to sandwiches or wraps for a light yet satisfying meal. Plus, it's perfect for those who are looking for something quick and easy to prepare without sacrificing on taste.

For those interested in making this dish ahead of time, you can easily store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently over low heat before serving. Alternatively, if you wish to enjoy your tomato basil soup later, consider freezing it into portions; it's a convenient and delicious way to preserve meals.

Remember, while this recipe calls for canned tomatoes, you can also make a fresh version by using ripe tomatoes straight from the garden or farmers market. This will result in an even more vibrant flavor that truly captures the essence of summer produce!

Tomato basil soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Its rich tomato base combined with fresh herbs creates a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you're new to cooking or have years of experience, this recipe offers an excellent opportunity to create a delightful meal that will please the entire family.