There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade Tomato Basil Soup wafting through your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and inviting you to dig in. Imagine a bowl filled with velvety, rich tomatoes mingling with earthy basil, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Mediterranean-inspired potatoes This soothing soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl.
I have fond memories of making Tomato Basil Soup as a child, standing on my tiptoes to peek over the countertop while my mom stirred the pot. The vibrant colors and mouthwatering scents made it feel like magic was happening right before my eyes. perfect side for soup It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends together, perfect for cozy dinners or serving alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. For more inspiration, check out this creamy roasted sweet potato soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Tomato Basil Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners less stressful
- Its flavor profile balances sweetness and acidity for a delightful taste
- The vibrant red color and fresh basil aroma create visual appeal that will impress anyone at your table
- Versatile enough to enjoy as an appetizer or main dish, it’s sure to become a favorite
One memorable evening, I served this delightful soup to friends during our annual winter gathering. Their delighted reactions and requests for seconds made me realize how much joy this simple recipe could bring. refreshing beverage idea.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Tomatoes: Look for plump, juicy tomatoes; heirloom varieties add exceptional flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves; they elevate the soup’s freshness beautifully.
- Onion: A sweet onion works wonders; it adds depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers robust flavor; don’t skimp here! For more inspiration, check out this garlic roast potatoes recipe.
- Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and sautéing.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Veggies: Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Chop them into quarters, leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add chopped onions. Cook until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then toss in those glorious chopped tomatoes along with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour in Vegetable Broth: Add vegetable broth until everything is submerged—about 4 cups should suffice. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble away for about 20 minutes.
Basil Infusion: Once simmered, stir in freshly torn basil leaves just before blending. This ensures their bright flavor shines through while cooking.
Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender (or transferring cautiously to a traditional blender), blend until silky smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot with fresh basil garnish.
This Tomato Basil Soup is not just food; it’s nostalgia in every spoonful! Enjoy each bowlful knowing you’re about to experience comfort like no other!
You Must Know
- Tomato basil soup is a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table
- The rich flavors and aromas make it irresistible, perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bowl of happiness that warms the soul
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add tomatoes and broth for optimal flavor. Blend until smooth for a creamy finish while adjusting seasoning to taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your soup by adding cream for richness or roasted red peppers for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme can introduce new flavors and elevate your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a robust tomato flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes; they make all the difference
- Avoid overcooking the basil, as it can become bitter if added too early
- A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end brightens the soup beautifully
Sharing this classic recipe always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her tomato basil soup made every family gathering special and filled with laughter. roasted asparagus recipe.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well but require more prep time and may need additional seasoning.
How do I make it vegan?
Simply substitute vegetable broth and omit any dairy ingredients for a delicious vegan version.
What can I serve with tomato basil soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread are perfect companions for this comforting soup.
Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful blend of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul. This easy-to-make soup captures the essence of home-cooked goodness, perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty appetizer. With its vibrant color and rich flavor, this recipe invites you to savor each spoonful, making it an ideal companion for crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop tomatoes into quarters, leaving the skins on.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer; let bubble for about 20 minutes.
- Just before blending, stir in torn basil leaves.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or traditional blender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with fresh basil garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
