How to Make a Delicious Italian Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is one of those comfort foods that everyone loves. It’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare; it can be served as a starter or a light meal. If you're looking for a warm, hearty, and healthy option that will bring back the good ol' Italian flavors, then this recipe is perfect for you.

Today's article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a delicious tomato basil soup at home using simple ingredients. This soup can be enjoyed by vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians because it doesn’t contain any meat products.

Ingredients Needed

• 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 lb.)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (depending on preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for a richer texture)

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Servings: About 6-8 servings

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by dicing your tomatoes into small pieces. You want them to be manageable but not too tiny so as not to lose some of their texture.

Step 2: In a large pot, heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat until both are melted together. Add in your finely chopped onion along with minced garlic and sauté them for about two minutes or until they become translucent.

Step 3: Now add the diced tomatoes to the pot along with half a teaspoon of dried basil. Stir everything well, then let it simmer on low heat for approximately ten more minutes while you prepare the broth.

Step 4: Once your tomato mixture has thickened slightly and taken on a deeper color (but hasn't yet begun to burn), pour in four cups of either chicken or vegetable broth. You can choose what kind based on dietary preferences such as gluten-free options if necessary.

Step 5: Bring the soup back up to a gentle boil before reducing heat again so it can simmer slowly for another twenty minutes – allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully while the vegetables become tender and flavorful.

Step 6: After this time has passed, remove from heat source. Use an immersion blender directly in your pot to puree until smooth; alternatively, you could transfer portions of it into a regular food processor briefly if preferred. Return blended soup back into the pot once processed.

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p>Step 7: Season according to taste with salt and pepper before adding optional heavy cream/half-and-half for added richness depending upon preference.

Tips & Variations

• If desired, add fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking instead of dried ones for extra freshness and aroma.
• For those who prefer their soup a bit less tomato-y but still packed with flavor, consider reducing the amount used or replacing some with zucchini or other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
• A pinch of sugar can be added if you find that your homemade tomato basil soup is overly acidic. It helps balance out all the ingredients perfectly.

Enjoy your homemade Italian tomato basil soup! Whether you're having it as a light lunch during colder days or serving it alongside sandwiches as an appetizer, this simple yet satisfying dish will surely impress both family members and friends alike.

To elevate this recipe further, you might also explore incorporating different types of herbs such as thyme or oregano which can add another layer of complexity to your flavor profile. Additionally, experimenting with various vegetable combinations could lead to exciting new variations on the classic theme.