How to Make a Delicious Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of those comforting dishes that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s the perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you simply want something simple and satisfying. This recipe makes enough tomato basil soup for 4 servings, taking approximately 30 minutes to prepare.

The aroma of freshly chopped tomatoes and herbs fills your kitchen as soon as you start this dish. Here's what you will need:

• 2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato puree
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh basil, for garnish

To begin, peel the tomatoes. You can do this by plunging the tomatoes into boiling water for a few seconds, then peeling off the skin with your fingers or under cold running water.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute to release its flavor without burning it.

Once the onions have softened, add in the peeled tomatoes along with the tomato puree. Stir everything together well so that all ingredients are combined evenly. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the soup has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded nicely.

Add the vegetable or chicken broth to your pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps from forming in your tomato basil soup. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil according to your preference. If you like a bit more freshness, feel free to add some fresh basil leaves as well before serving for extra flavor.

Use an immersion blender or transfer the entire batch of soup into a regular blender (being careful not to overfill it), blending until smooth. Return the blended mixture back to your pot if using a traditional blender and let it heat through again without boiling.

Taste test your tomato basil soup; adjust seasoning as necessary based on personal preferences. When done, ladle the rich and hearty soup into bowls for serving.

Enjoy this warm, flavorful dish either on its own or paired with some crusty bread to dip in the broth. Tomato basil soup pairs wonderfully well with a slice of Italian-style focaccia or rustic garlic bread. For added depth, consider adding croutons made from your favorite bread type for textural variety.

This recipe offers endless possibilities; feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients like diced carrots or zucchini, depending on what’s available and seasonal tastes. You can also vary the consistency of the soup by adjusting how long you simmer it—longer means thicker, while shorter time results in a thinner, more fluid consistency.

Tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for something quick to whip up during busy weeknights or an elegant dinner party dish, this comforting classic never fails to impress. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients list and straightforward preparation process, making tomato basil soup becomes a breeze even on hectic days.

For those seeking more meal ideas based around tomatoes, you might also try experimenting with homemade pizza sauce using fresh tomatoes or preparing a refreshing summer gazpacho. Both dishes share similar base components like ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, making them natural extensions of the tomato basil soup concept.