Simple & Delicious Italian Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato basil soup is a beloved classic that has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts. This comforting and hearty recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup can be enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with a side salad for a wholesome dinner.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or a can of crushed tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to enhance the aroma. This simple step will help infuse the soup with a delightful garlic flavor while ensuring that no raw garlic taste remains in your finished dish.

Once you have softened the onion and garlic, it is time to add the tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes; both work beautifully here. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes. The longer the soup simmers, the richer the flavor of your tomato basil soup will be.

In another step, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to blend everything together. Then, add the dried oregano and basil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. At this stage, the flavors should start to develop and meld together nicely.

Once all ingredients are incorporated, bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer for another 10 minutes. During this time, ensure that you stir occasionally to prevent any part of the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If you notice that your soup is becoming too thick, feel free to add more broth or water according to your preference.

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup until smooth. You can also transfer a portion of the mixture into a regular blender and blend before returning it back to the pot if you do not have an immersion blender at hand. This blending process will help in creating a smoother texture for your tomato basil soup.

To finish, garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves. Fresh herbs add a vibrant color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal either as a main course or an appetizer to start off any meal on a cozy evening.

This easy tomato basil soup recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty yet simple. It requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor, making it perfect for busy days when you're short on time yet want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

Tomato basil soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, providing the perfect contrast in textures and flavors. For an extra treat, consider serving this soup alongside some fresh garlic bread; the crispy edges of the bread paired with the smooth tomato base create an exquisite combination that's hard to resist.

Remember, while this recipe provides a straightforward guide for making your soup, you can experiment further by adding additional ingredients such as cooked ground beef or turkey to make it into a heartier dish. You could also try incorporating some spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking; the slight heat from the soup will help wilt the greens without overcooking them.

For those looking for a healthier twist, consider using low-fat broth and substituting half-and-half with skim milk to reduce calories while maintaining the rich flavor. This versatile recipe is not only delicious but also customizable to suit various dietary preferences, whether you're following a vegetarian or low-carb diet.

In conclusion, tomato basil soup stands out as a cherished culinary tradition that can bring warmth and comfort during colder months. By following this simple yet effective method, you'll be able to enjoy this timeless dish anytime, anywhere. Whether you're in the mood for something light or more substantial, this recipe offers versatility to cater to all your dietary needs.