Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup is a classic comfort food that everyone enjoys. It’s perfect for cold winter nights and can be enjoyed in various ways. This recipe yields 4 hearty servings, and the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. If you're looking to make something delicious yet simple this evening, give it a try!

Ingredients required:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 large onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (optional for less intense flavor)
• 800g canned tomatoes or one fresh tomato, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1.5 liters chicken broth or vegetable stock
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Paprika for garnish (optional)
• Bread slices for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, if using, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add the canned or fresh chopped tomatoes along with tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let this cook for about 15 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together smoothly.
3. Once the soup has thickened, add the chicken broth or vegetable stock. Adjust seasoning by adding salt according to your taste preference. Continue cooking until the vegetables are soft and well integrated into the sauce.
4. Mash some of the tomatoes with a potato masher or hand blender while stirring constantly to create a creamy consistency in the soup base.
5. After blending, bring everything back up to a simmer for another 10 minutes. This step ensures that the flavors are fully developed and the soup is ready to serve. Garnish each bowl of soup with fresh chopped basil leaves and paprika if desired.
6. To serve, ladle the hot tomato basil soup into bowls, garnished with basil leaves and a sprinkle of paprika on top for color contrast and extra flavor.

Enjoy this richly flavored homemade tomato basil soup either as an appetizer or main course. It pairs wonderfully well with garlic bread if you choose to serve it alongside your meal. This versatile dish is not only satisfying but also easy enough for beginners in the kitchen yet sophisticated enough to impress dinner guests.

The benefits of consuming Homemade Tomato Basil Soup extend beyond just a tasty treat; they offer several health advantages too. Being rich in lycopene, which comes from tomatoes, this soup helps protect against certain types of cancers by neutralizing free radicals within your body cells. Additionally, the vegetable broth provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C while maintaining a low calorie count.

Tomatoes are also known for their high water content, making them excellent hydrators when consumed regularly as part of one’s diet. By incorporating this soup into weekly meals, individuals can significantly increase their intake of vital antioxidants without adding too much sodium from processed alternatives available commercially on store shelves.

This simple recipe demonstrates that creating flavorful meals doesn't require complex ingredients or long preparation times. With just a few basic pantry staples and fresh produce items like tomatoes and onions, you can prepare this delightful homemade tomato basil soup anytime you want. Whether you're preparing it for yourself during colder months or sharing it with friends over dinner, the rich aroma alone will make your home feel warm and inviting.

For those interested in exploring more variations of tomato-based soups, consider experimenting by adding other herbs such as oregano or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile even further. You could also add a few diced jalapeños for an extra kick if you like spicy flavors! Another idea would be to experiment with different types of stock—whether it’s beef broth instead of chicken broth or vegetable bouillon—to see which version suits your taste buds best.