Nothing is quite as cozy and comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup, and fresh tomato basil soup is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes you can make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying soup that will warm you up on a cold day or make a light and refreshing lunch.
The key to making the best fresh tomato basil soup is to use ripe, juicy tomatoes. This will give your soup a rich flavor and a beautiful color. If you can’t find fresh tomatoes, you can substitute canned tomatoes, but the flavor will be less intense.
Fresh basil is another essential ingredient for this soup. The basil adds a bright, peppery flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but be sure to use less, as it is more concentrated.
How To Make
Making fresh tomato basil soup is easy. Simply follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cream or milk to taste (optional)
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Step by Step
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened.
- Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be sure to do it in batches and be careful not to overfill the blender.
- Return the soup to the pot and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or basil. If desired, you can also add a splash of cream or milk to make the soup creamier.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips or Possible Variation
Here are a few tips for making the best fresh tomato basil soup:
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but be sure to use less, as it is more concentrated.
- You can add other vegetables to your soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.
- If you want a creamier soup, you can add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Serve your soup with a crusty bread or croutons for dipping.
Fresh tomato basil soup is a versatile soup that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can serve it as a starter, a main course, or even a side dish. It’s also a great way to use up leftover tomatoes. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy soup recipe, give fresh tomato basil soup a try.