How to Make a Delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a delightful comfort food that many people love to have during the colder months or as an everyday meal. This rich and flavorful recipe can be enjoyed with various sides, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic breadsticks.

The best thing about this soup is its simplicity; you need just a few basic ingredients that are widely available in most supermarkets. The cooking time for this soup typically takes around 45 minutes, including preparation and simmering. This recipe serves four generous portions, making it perfect for small gatherings or family meals.

Before we dive into the detailed instructions, let's take a moment to appreciate the key ingredients that contribute to its amazing taste:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Basil leaves (dried or fresh)
• Heavy cream
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Olive oil

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients and cooking tools. You will need a large pot for simmering the soup, a cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables, and a whisk to mix the ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup of basil leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Pinch of sugar for balancing flavors (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the tomatoes. Begin by washing the fresh tomatoes under cold water. Once clean, dice them into small cubes. If you're using dried basil, set aside a handful; otherwise, leave it out if you prefer fresh basil for garnish later on.

Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. In your large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté them gently until they become translucent and tender—about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic cloves, stirring continuously for another minute or two until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Introduce tomatoes and broth. Now it's time to mix in the diced tomatoes and chicken (or vegetable) broth into your pot. Stir everything together well so that all vegetables are coated with liquid. Bring this mixture up to a gentle simmer, letting it cook down for about another 20 minutes. During this process, the flavors will deepen while breaking down the tomato flesh further.

Step 4: Add basil and cream. After 20 minutes of simmering, remove from heat briefly to allow the soup to cool slightly. Then add both fresh or dried basil according to preference, along with heavy cream if desired. Return the pot back onto low heat for another few minutes only—just enough time to heat through without boiling again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed by adding salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve hot. Once everything is combined nicely and heated up, ladle your creamy tomato basil soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with extra chopped fresh basil if preferred. Enjoy this satisfying dish either on its own or paired with some crusty bread for an even more enriching experience!

Tips & Variations:

2. For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes during the sauté stage.

- If you prefer a thicker consistency without using cream, puree part of the soup in batches using an immersion blender until smooth before recombining.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 kcal
• Fat content: Around 9g
• Sodium intake: About 500mg
• Carbohydrates present: ~40g

Creamy tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins A and C from the tomatoes, iron from the garlic, and antioxidants that help boost immunity when consumed regularly.

With this simple yet flavorful recipe, you can create a wholesome meal that satisfies your taste buds while being good for your health too! Whether enjoyed on cold winter nights or during springtime picnics, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes in the kitchen. Try out this creamy tomato basil soup today and see how easily it can become part of your regular menu rotations.