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Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is a warm, comforting dish that perfectly balances the bright acidity of ripe tomatoes with the sweet, fragrant notes of fresh basil. This creamy yet light soup is simple and quick to make, ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients and fresh flavors, it’s a healthy, versatile meal that pairs beautifully with sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can, 28 oz, whole peeled tomatoes with juice)

Liquid

  • 2 to 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Flavor and Texture

  • 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking gently for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant without browning.
  2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes with their juice. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors and soften the tomatoes.
  3. Pour in the Broth: Add vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, stir well, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or transferring carefully to a blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy, creating the luscious texture characteristic of this soup.
  5. Add Basil and Cream: Stir in fresh chopped basil leaves and cream or coconut milk if using. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the simmering steps to enhance depth and blend flavors perfectly.
  • Add basil at the end of cooking to keep its bright, fresh taste.
  • Puree the soup smoothly but avoid overheating the blender to prevent altering the flavor.
  • Adjust the soup’s texture by blending fully for smoothness or pulsing briefly for a chunkier style.
  • To make it vegan, substitute cream with coconut milk or omit dairy altogether.

Nutrition

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