Tomato and Basil Soup (Printable Version)

Velvety soup blending ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh basil, finished with olive oil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3.3 lb ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 3 cups vegetable broth
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

→ Herbs & Seasoning

06 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream, optional

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add sugar if desired. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
05 - Remove from heat and add basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until silky smooth, or blend in batches using a countertop blender.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For enhanced richness, stir in heavy cream if using.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Pure Comfort: A rich, silky texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like onions, garlic, and canned or fresh tomatoes.
  • Naturally Healthy: A vegetarian and gluten-free meal that is both light and nourishing.
02 -
  • Balance Acidity: If your tomatoes are particularly tart, don't skip the teaspoon of sugar; it perfectly rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Safety First: If using a countertop blender for hot soup, blend in small batches and hold the lid down with a towel to prevent steam buildup.
  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil instead of dried for this recipe, as it provides the characteristic aromatic brightness that defines the dish.
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