How to Make a Delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup is a popular dish that many people love to enjoy as a hearty meal or simply as a comforting bowl of warmth during colder months. This versatile soup can be paired with bread, served alongside grilled cheese sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own for a light yet satisfying meal. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious and nutritious recipe.

Ingredients: You'll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large onion chopped into small pieces, 4 cloves of garlic minced finely, 3 medium tomatoes sliced thinly, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt to taste, pepper to taste, and half a cup of heavy cream. The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 40 minutes, and it serves four people.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.

3. Mince the garlic cloves finely, then add them into the pot with the onions. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Add the sliced tomatoes into the mixture and cook until they start to soften, about 10-12 minutes depending on your preference in terms of consistency.

5. Once the tomatoes are soft, stir in the dried basil along with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another five minutes or so.

6. Pour half a cup of heavy cream into the pot. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are blended thoroughly before proceeding.

7. Allow the soup to simmer gently on low heat while you blend it until smooth using an immersion blender. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can use a regular blender but be careful not to overfill the container as hot liquids expand upon blending.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Pour back into the pot once blended.

9. Serve immediately or let it cool slightly before serving. You could also garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

Health Benefits:

• Basil is rich in antioxidants which can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation within the body.
• The tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption and supports skin health.
• Olive oil contains healthy fats that promote heart health when used moderately. However, consuming too much fat isn't good either way; hence moderation is key.

Tips & Variations:

• If you want a creamier texture without using heavy cream, you could replace it with half-and-half or coconut milk for those watching their dairy intake.
• For added depth of flavor, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking when blending the soup.
• To make this dish more filling, add some cooked pasta noodles to the mix before serving. Alternatively, serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

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p>Creamy tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also packed full of nutrients that are good for you. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy during busy weekdays or want to impress friends over dinner, this recipe ticks all the right boxes. Try it out today and see how much you enjoy this versatile dish!