Hearty Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a beloved comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. Its tangy tomatoes and fragrant basil make it a perfect dish for colder months or as an elegant starter at a summer meal.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 generous portions

To start, you’ll need the following ingredients to prepare your tomato basil soup. These are readily available in most grocery stores.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 2 cans (14 ounces each) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped fine
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir frequently so as not to burn the garlic. Next, add the diced tomatoes to the mixture, followed by the chicken broth. The combination of fresh and canned tomatoes ensures that your soup has a rich flavor.

1. Simmer the pot over low heat for 20 minutes until the flavors meld together.
2. Using an immersion blender or transferring everything into a regular blender (be careful to allow steam to escape by opening the lid slightly), puree the soup until smooth.
3. Add in the fresh basil leaves and heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat so that all ingredients come together perfectly.

Once done, serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh basil leaves or even some grated Parmesan if desired. You can also serve this soup alongside crusty bread to complement its rich flavors.

Health Benefits of Tomato Basil Soup

This homemade tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, which help support a strong immune system. They're also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Basil contains antioxidants like quercetin and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Together with tomatoes, they offer additional health benefits such as improved digestion due to basil’s fiber content. The soup also provides hydration from the high water content in tomatoes and chicken broth. For those who prefer a lower calorie option, this homemade version is ideal compared to many canned alternatives that are often loaded with excess sodium.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers after serving four generous portions, here’s how to store them properly:

• Store cooled soup in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
• Place the sealed container in your refrigerator within two hours of preparation. It should last up to 4 days.
• For long-term storage, transfer the soup into freezer containers and leave it for at least one hour until completely chilled before freezing. Soups can be frozen for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.

Variations on Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

The traditional tomato basil soup is versatile, but you could experiment with various flavors and ingredients:

• Vegetarian Variation: Ensure your broth is completely free from any animal products. You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
• Add-ins: Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal. Alternatively, mix in some diced zucchini or carrots to boost the nutritional value and flavor complexity.

Cooking time and number of servings may vary slightly depending on the type of soup you're preparing. Always adjust based on your specific needs.