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Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup
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Tomato Basil Soup is a rich and comforting classic that blends fresh ripe tomatoes with aromatic basil into a smooth, warming bowl of goodness. Quick and simple to prepare with pantry staples, this versatile soup is perfect year-round as a light lunch, appetizer, or cozy dinner. Creamy or dairy-free options make it adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional for Serving

  • Crusty bread or baguette, for dipping
  • Extra fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Drizzle of olive oil or cream
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by roughly chopping the tomatoes, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves. Rinse and pick fresh basil leaves to ensure a vibrant flavor later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and tomatoes to break down.
  4. Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender for a silky consistency.
  5. Stir in Basil and Cream: Add chopped fresh basil leaves and stir in the heavy cream or your chosen dairy-free alternative. Warm gently over low heat for a few minutes to infuse the basil flavor without boiling.
  6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the soup a final taste and adjust salt, pepper, or basil as needed to perfect the flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes available to maximize natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Add fresh basil at the very end to preserve its bright aroma and vibrant taste.
  • Avoid boiling the soup once cream is added to prevent curdling.
  • Blend the soup in small batches to achieve a perfectly smooth texture and avoid spills.
  • Roasting the tomatoes and garlic beforehand enhances the flavor with smoky, caramelized notes.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth for a lighter consistency or simmering longer for a heartier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato Basil Soup, tomato soup, basil soup, easy tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, dairy-free tomato soup, comfort food, healthy soup

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/tomato-basil-soup/