How to Make a Delicious and Healthy Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that many people love. It’s rich in flavor and packed with health benefits. This simple recipe yields a luscious, creamy tomato basil soup that will satisfy your taste buds while being nutritious for you.

This dish can be made in about 30 minutes and serves four generous portions. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, making it an easy meal to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of chopped tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Cream (optional) - for extra creaminess
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped – for garnish

Steps to Make the Soup

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they are translucent and soft, which should take around 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about one minute more until fragrant. It’s important not to let the garlic burn; if it starts to turn golden brown, remove it from the heat immediately as this will negatively affect the flavor of your soup.

Next, add the chopped tomatoes into the pot along with a 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and break down into the soup.

Adding Flavor

After your tomato mixture has been cooking for approximately twenty minutes, stir in half a teaspoon of dried basil and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust these amounts according to your personal preference; some people enjoy more pungent flavors than others do. If you like it extra creamy, now would be the time to add some cream.

Finalizing the Soup

Once all ingredients have been incorporated into the soup and cooked for another minute or two, use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth. Alternatively, once the mixture has cooled slightly, you can transfer it to a standard countertop blender and blend in batches. Blend until smooth, then pour back into your pot.

For garnishing, consider adding some fresh basil leaves chopped up finely. The bright green color will make the soup look visually appealing as well as enhancing its taste.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for an extra treat.
2. For those looking to add more protein, consider adding grilled chicken strips on top before serving.
3. Creamy tomato basil soup can also be enjoyed as a first course before your main meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This hearty soup offers numerous benefits not just in taste but also nutritionally speaking. It’s relatively low in calories and high in vitamins like A and C, making it an excellent choice for those trying to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying delicious meals.

Conclusion

A simple tomato basil soup recipe provides wholesome nourishment combined with delightful flavors that can easily be customized according to individual tastes. Preparing this dish not only brings joy during the cooking process but also satisfies cravings and nourishes your body after consumption.