Tomato Basil Soup

$Creating a fresh and flavorful tomato basil soup starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess) - Crusty bread or croutons for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup bright and vibrant. The olive oil adds richness, while the onion and garlic give it depth. Canned tomatoes offer a sweet base, and vegetable broth brings everything together. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, while oregano gives a hint of warmth. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, and heavy cream can make the soup extra smooth if you choose to include it. For serving, crusty bread or croutons adds a nice crunch. This recipe truly shines when you use fresh ingredients, so don’t skip on quality! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. 2. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. 3. Now, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add the vegetable broth and stir everything together. This mixture is the heart of your soup. 4. Season the soup with sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a gentle boil. Then, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This time helps the flavors mix well. 5. After simmering, take the soup off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. 6. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth. If you do not have one, you can blend it in batches with a regular blender. 1. Return the blended soup to the saucepan. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and heavy cream if you want creaminess. Heat the soup through for 5 minutes. 2. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs. 3. For a great presentation, serve the soup in bowls. Drizzle olive oil on top, sprinkle fresh basil, and add a slice of crusty bread or croutons. This makes every bite delightful. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To make the best tomato basil soup, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe tomatoes when possible. They add a lovely sweetness. Fresh basil gives the soup a bright flavor. Always taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. A common mistake is boiling the soup too long. This can cook away the fresh flavors. Instead, let it simmer gently. This helps the tastes blend nicely. Avoid adding too much sugar. It can mask the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Just a teaspoon is enough. Another tip is to sauté the onions and garlic well. This builds a great base for your soup. Cook them until soft, but not browned. This brings out their best taste without burning. For this soup, you need some simple tools. A large saucepan is key for cooking. A sharp knife helps you chop the onions and garlic easily. An immersion blender is a game-changer. It allows you to blend the soup right in the pot. No need to transfer it to a blender. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too. Just be careful with hot liquids. Having a cutting board makes chopping easy. A ladle can help with serving. Enjoy your delicious soup! For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this tomato basil soup to fit your diet. If you want a vegan version, simply omit the heavy cream. Instead, use vegetable broth for a rich flavor. It still tastes great without the cream. For those who need a gluten-free option, check all your ingredients. Many canned tomatoes and vegetable broths are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the soup without worry. To make your soup even better, try adding spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a new twist. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavors. Experimenting with different herbs can change the whole dish. Each herb brings its own taste and aroma. Don't be afraid to play with the recipe. These changes can turn a simple soup into a unique meal. For the full recipe, check the details above and let your creativity shine! Tomato basil soup can last in the fridge for about five days. Make sure to cool it completely first. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Stir often to heat it evenly. To freeze the soup, let it cool down completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top because it will expand. Seal them tightly to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir well to mix the ingredients. If it seems too thick, add a bit of vegetable broth or water. This keeps the soup smooth and tasty. For the full recipe, check out my Hearty Tomato Basil Delight. What are the health benefits of tomato basil soup? Tomato basil soup is full of nutrients. Tomatoes offer vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals. Basil adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties. This soup is low in calories, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just chop about 6 to 8 ripe tomatoes. Make sure to remove the skins for a smoother texture. You may need to add a little extra broth since fresh tomatoes have more water content. The flavor will be bright and fresh, perfect for your soup. How do I thicken my tomato basil soup? To thicken your soup, you have a few options. You can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Another way is to add a potato. Just peel and chop it, then cook it in the soup. Lastly, blend some of the soup and mix it back in for a creamier texture. You learned how to make delicious tomato basil soup step by step. We covered key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for a perfect flavor. You can even adapt this soup for dietary needs. Remember, fresh herbs and simple tools make a big difference. I love how this soup is both tasty and heart-healthy. Enjoy experimenting with your own variations, and don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Happy cooking!$

Discover the comforting flavors of our Hearty Tomato Basil Delight, a delicious soup that brings warmth to any meal. With fresh ingredients like tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, this easy recipe is perfect for dinner or a cozy night in. Ready in just 40 minutes, you’ll love its creamy texture and rich taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this heartwarming dish today!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)

Crusty bread or croutons for serving

Instructions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including juice) and add the vegetable broth. Stir well.

Season the mixture with sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

After simmering, remove the soup from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender.

Return the blended soup to the saucepan and stir in the chopped fresh basil and heavy cream (if using). Heat through for 5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a handful of croutons for a delightful crunch.