🍅🍃Tomato Basil Soup: Classic Comfort in a Bowl! 🍃🍅
### Introduction
Tomato Basil Soup often finds its place in our cravings when we fancy something warm, comforting, and deliciously healthy. The classic soup has a universal appeal with its wonderful blend of tomatoes and fresh basil, enhanced by a swirl of rich cream or coconut milk.
### Why Make This Recipe
This Tomato Basil Soup ticks all the boxes for a perfect soup. It’s hearty, comforting, incredibly flavorful, and requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh tomatoes from your garden or farmer’s market. It’s not only wholesome and comforting but also fits perfectly into vegetarian and vegan diets – especially when you opt for coconut milk instead of cream.
### How to Make Tomato Basil Soup
#### Ingredients :
You will need the following ingredients to prepare this delightful soup:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
#### Directions :
Follow these simple steps to cook your Tomato Basil Soup:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté chopped onions and garlic till onions turn translucent.
2. Add the tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Mash the tomatoes with a spoon.
3. Bring this mix to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Add fresh basil leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
5. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk (if using), then heat through.
6. Adjust seasoning according to preference, garnish accordingly and serve hot.
### How to Serve Tomato Basil Soup
This Tomato Basil Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Serve it hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, making it a complete meal.
### How to Store Tomato Basil Soup
The Tomato Basil Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. If you’re freezing the soup, it’s advisable to do so before adding the cream.
### Tips to Make Tomato Basil Soup
For a smooth and creamy texture, be sure to blend the soup thoroughly with an immersion blender. If you like your soup a bit chunky, pulse it a few times instead of blending until entirely smooth.
To make it vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, if you like.
### Variation
For a different take on the classic Tomato Basil Soup, try adding a roasted red pepper to the mix or some cooked white beans for extra creaminess and protein.
### FAQs
**Q1: Can I make this soup with fresh tomatoes?**
Absolutely! If you have a bounty of fresh tomatoes, you can use them. You’ll need about 2.5-3 lbs of fresh tomatoes for this recipe.
**Q2: Is it necessary to blend the soup?**
Blending helps create a smooth texture, but if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step or partially blend the soup.
**Q3: Can I add protein to the soup?**
Surely, you can. For a non-vegetarian version, feel free to add some cooked shredded chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian protein boost, cooked lentils or chickpeas may be included.
Experience the soothing warmth and delightful flavors of the classic Tomato Basil Soup and add a dash of culinary magic to your day! 🍅🍃