Hearty Tomato Basil Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Comfort Food

Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that has become popular worldwide due to its easy preparation, versatility, and rich flavor. This soup is not only perfect for colder days but also a wonderful choice when you're looking for something nutritious yet satisfying after a long day.

The basic ingredients needed for this soup include tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and olive oil. The cooking time typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, and it serves approximately four people. This recipe is straightforward enough that even beginners can follow the steps with ease.

Ingredients

4 medium ripe tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by dicing the tomatoes into small pieces. It's important that they are cut evenly so each spoonful of soup tastes consistent.
In a large pot, heat up olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers slightly but isn't smoking hot. Add chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Once the onions have softened, add in minced garlic cloves and stir continuously for another minute to let out their aroma without burning them.
Pour vegetable broth into the pot containing sautéed onions and garlic. Bring this mixture to a boil before gently adding diced tomatoes one at a time while stirring occasionally. This ensures that the soup will be smooth once blended later on.
Reduce heat after bringing everything back down to simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together perfectly in the broth. During this time, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary by adding salt or pepper according to your preference.
Finally, use an immersion blender or transfer part of the mixture into a regular blender to puree until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, making sure the top is secured properly if using a regular blender so nothing spills over!
Gently stir in fresh chopped basil leaves just before serving, which adds that final touch of freshness and color to each bowl.

Additional Tips for Success

To enhance the richness of your tomato basil soup, consider adding a tablespoon or two of heavy cream right after blending. This provides a creamier texture without significantly changing the consistency too much.
If you like a bit more heat in your meals, some people enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne pepper towards the end while others opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of basil if they want a different flavor profile altogether.
For those who prefer less acidity from tomatoes, substituting half or even three-quarters of water for regular tomato juice can help achieve a milder yet still tangy taste.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This hearty tomato basil soup contains approximately 150 calories per serving if made with light cream and no additional garnishes. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, E, K along with minerals such as potassium which are beneficial for heart health.

Enjoy Your Meal!

With its simple yet sophisticated taste profile, Tomato Basil Soup remains one of those timeless recipes that never go out of style. Whether you're serving it during winter evenings or hosting casual gatherings in springtime, this soup always brings warmth and satisfaction to everyone's table.