How to Make a Delicious Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of those comforting recipes that can be enjoyed anytime, making it perfect for a chilly evening or even as part of a light lunch during warmer months. This creamy and savory soup will leave you wanting seconds! With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time at all.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A few sprigs of fresh parsley (optional decoration)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes to the pot along with the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Blend the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer it in batches to a regular blender until smooth. Be extra careful if using a traditional blender as hot liquids can splatter!
4. Add the cream (or coconut milk) and fresh basil. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. Return the soup back to low heat for about 5 minutes until heated through but do not let it come to a boil again, otherwise the cream may curdle.
6. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley on top before serving hot. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Cooking Time: Total preparation time is around 30 minutes including chopping vegetables, blending, and simmering the soup.

Tomato basil soup can be served on its own as a light lunch or paired with some crusty bread for a more substantial meal. The creamy texture of this homemade version is incomparable to store-bought varieties, which often contain added preservatives and artificial flavors.

If you’re looking to make your tomato basil soup even healthier, consider using low-sodium vegetable broth instead of regular stock. You could also add other vegetables such as zucchini or carrots for a more colorful and nutritious version. For those who prefer less heat but still enjoy the richness of this soup, adding a touch of honey can balance out the flavors beautifully.

Another great idea is to freeze some batches of tomato basil soup at the start of winter when tomatoes are at their peak season. Having homemade soup ready in your freezer ensures you always have access to comfort food during those cold spells without having to worry about going grocery shopping right before a heavy snowstorm.

To elevate this dish further, try serving it with grilled cheese sandwiches made from sourdough bread. The contrast between the rich creaminess of the soup and the crispy texture of the sandwich creates an unbeatable combination. For a vegetarian option, swap out the meaty sauce for more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.

Experimenting with different herbs can also result in unique variations of this classic recipe. Try adding thyme or oregano for extra depth. Or perhaps experiment by adding some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit more spice. These small changes can make your tomato basil soup uniquely yours, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

In conclusion, making homemade tomato basil soup is not only easy but also rewarding. From start to finish, this recipe takes minimal effort yet delivers big flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to satisfy every palate. Give it a try soon; you won’t be disappointed!