How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting classic that everyone loves! This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and savory. The key flavors come from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh basil, all combined into a rich, velvety soup.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes. The number of servings will be about 6 generous bowls.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Once the onions are golden, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add the tomatoes to the mixture in the pot; you can use fresh or canned tomatoes depending on your preference. If using fresh tomatoes, make sure they are ripe and juicy. For a richer flavor, you might consider adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste along with them. Stir well so that all ingredients combine evenly.

Let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen further. During this time, ensure that your soup stays at a gentle boil but does not burn. After 20 minutes, stir in the chicken broth and continue cooking until the soup thickens slightly. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if desired.

Once everything has cooked sufficiently, remove half of it from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree this portion of the soup directly in the pot. This step helps create that signature creamy texture without needing too much cream later on. If you prefer not to use an immersion blender, let the mixture cool slightly and then transfer it to a regular blender or food processor for blending. Be cautious when transferring hot liquids; always handle them carefully to avoid burns.

Once blended, return the pureed soup back into the pot along with the remaining half that was set aside earlier. Stir well again before adding in the heavy cream. Let it heat up briefly but do not bring it to a boil once more as this could curdle the cream and ruin the texture. Lastly, season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Finally, garnish each serving of soup with freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve hot with crusty bread if you like!

Tips & Variations:

1. If you prefer less cream: Reduce the amount used in this recipe or replace part of it with evaporated milk to decrease fat content while still maintaining a creamy texture.
2. To add heat: Include a few crushed red peppers along with the garlic for a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on how much spice you enjoy.
3. Vegetarian option: Omit any meat products such as chicken broth if making it vegetarian-friendly. You can use vegetable stock instead which will give an equally delicious taste.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, vegetables, or proteins according to your dietary needs and preferences!