How to Prepare a Delicious Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of those comforting dishes that can be enjoyed year-round but especially during the colder months when you crave something warm and hearty. This recipe provides a simple yet flavorful base for a dish that can be customized with various additions depending on your taste preferences. In this article, we'll explore how to make this classic tomato basil soup from scratch, including the cooking time which is around 45 minutes, and it serves approximately six people.

Before diving into the preparation process, let's go through a few essential ingredients that you will need:

• 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil sprigs or parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Once you have all the necessary ingredients at hand, here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your homemade tomato basil soup:

Preparation and Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pan, followed by half an onion cut into small pieces. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, which usually takes about five minutes. During this time, stir occasionally so that they don’t burn.

Step 2: Add Garlic. Once the onions are softened, add one minced clove of garlic to the pot. Stir for another minute or two until the aroma releases from the garlic. This step helps in bringing out the natural sweetness of both ingredients without overpowering them with strong flavors.

Step 3: Pour Crushed Tomatoes and Broth/ Water. Add four cups of vegetable broth (or water) along with two cans of crushed tomatoes into the pot containing the onions and garlic. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together nicely. During this time, occasionally stir the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Blend the Soup. After simmering, use an immersion blender right inside the pot to blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches into a regular blender, ensuring not to overflow as this could result in potential hazards such as splashes or even worse injuries. Once blended, pour back into the original pot and heat through again, just enough for serving consistency.

Step 5: Seasoning. Finally, season according to your taste by adding salt (one teaspoon) and pepper (half a teaspoon). Stir well and let it simmer briefly while you prepare garnishes if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled baguettes alongside for a complete meal.

Optional Enhancements:

To elevate this simple tomato basil soup further, consider trying out these variations:

2. Add half a teaspoon of dried oregano along with the fresh basil before blending for additional Italian flair.

2. Increase the proportion of fresh ingredients such as doubling the amount of fresh basil and adding another clove of garlic towards the end of cooking time.

This versatile tomato basil soup can be paired with various side dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or pan-seared chicken breast for a more substantial meal. It also pairs beautifully with artisan breads, offering delightful textures when combined in one plate.

Storage and Reheating:

The leftover tomato basil soup can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen in portions for future meals. To reheat, simply heat the desired amount in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through without letting it boil again as this might affect its consistency and texture.

Enjoy your homemade tomato basil soup; it is not only economical but also a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal at home. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want to impress guests with a delicious homemade dish, this recipe offers both ease of preparation and rich flavor profiles that make every spoonful worthwhile.