How to Make a Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a popular dish that combines two of the most versatile ingredients in cooking: tomatoes and basil. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as an accompaniment to grilled cheese sandwiches during warm weather. Its rich, savory flavors make it a favorite among many home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Tomato basil soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare at home. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and tasty. The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, which includes the time it takes for the soup to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

Ingredients needed:

• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped finely
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté them until the vegetables are softened. This should take about 10 minutes.
2. Add the broth to your saucepan. Bring everything to a boil. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 20-25 minutes. During this time, ensure that you stir occasionally so that none of your ingredients burn at the bottom of the pot.
3. Once done cooking, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture into a regular blender in batches until smooth. Blend thoroughly to get rid of any lumps and achieve a velvety texture.
4. Add salt and pepper according to taste. Stir in the heavy cream for that extra richness (if using), followed by the freshly chopped basil leaves.
5. After blending, return the soup back into your saucepan to heat through gently once more before serving. For an added touch of color and flavor, sprinkle some paprika over each bowl just before you serve it up!

Serving:

This recipe serves four people generously. You can enjoy this tomato basil soup either as a main course or paired with breadsticks for a lighter meal option.

Tips & Variations:

• If you prefer less richness, you could replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or just omit it altogether for a lower-fat version of your favorite soup.
• For more heat and flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to taste. This will give an extra kick that many enjoy in this dish.
• You might also experiment by incorporating other herbs like parsley or oregano into the mix depending upon what you have readily available in your kitchen cabinets.

Health Benefits:

Tomato basil soup isn’t just about taste—it's packed with nutritional benefits too! Rich in vitamins A and C, tomatoes support skin health and boost immune function. On the other hand, basil contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation within our bodies. When combined together, these ingredients form a nutritious yet enjoyable meal.

Conclusion:

Tomato basil soup is much more than just a simple recipe; it's about bringing together simplicity with complexity in flavor profile. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply want something comforting for yourself during colder months, this dish provides both satisfaction and joy at the same time.

Enjoy your homemade tomato basil soup! It’s sure to become one of those go-to recipes you keep coming back to again and again.