Rustic Tomato Basil Soup

$- 6 large ripe tomatoes - 1 medium onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 3 cups vegetable broth To make a great Rustic Tomato Basil Soup, you need fresh, ripe tomatoes. They give the best flavor. Pick tomatoes that feel heavy and smell sweet. You will also need one medium onion. Chopping it finely helps it cook fast. Garlic adds a nice touch, so three cloves will work perfectly. Olive oil is key for sautéing the onion and garlic. Use extra virgin for the best taste. Finally, vegetable broth brings everything together and adds depth to your soup. - 1/2 cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Dried oregano - Sugar While the basic soup is delicious, you can add some optional ingredients. Heavy cream gives the soup a rich, smooth texture. Just half a cup will do! Salt and freshly cracked black pepper are must-haves for flavor. Add these to taste. Dried oregano boosts the herb flavor, while sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves Fresh basil is the star of this soup. Use about half a cup, roughly chopped. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes the soup special. The aroma of fresh basil will fill your kitchen, making it feel like home. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Stir it now and then to prevent burning. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté this mix for one to two minutes. The garlic should smell good, but be careful not to let it burn. Now, it's time to add the diced tomatoes. Toss them into the pot along with the vegetable broth, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir everything well to mix. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. Once it's boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer without a lid for about 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering time helps the tomatoes soften and the flavors blend nicely. After the soup has simmered, take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit. If you like a smooth soup, use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend it until you reach the texture you want. If you prefer using a countertop blender, carefully pour small amounts into it. Blend each batch and return it to the pot. Once blended, add the roughly chopped basil leaves. Then, season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you want a rich flavor, mix in the heavy cream. Heat the soup gently on low heat until it’s warm. Avoid boiling it to keep it creamy. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if you need more salt or pepper. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and enjoy this comforting dish! Fresh herbs make a big difference in your Rustic Tomato Basil Soup. They add a bright taste. Use fresh basil for the best flavor. Dried herbs can work, but they lack the same punch. Adjusting the seasoning is key. Taste as you go. A little salt can enhance the soup’s sweetness. If it's too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. This balances the flavors nicely. For a beautiful presentation, serve the soup in warm bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. This adds a pop of color. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a warm baguette. These sides soak up the soup well and add texture. Avoid burnt garlic by cooking it gently. Add minced garlic after the onions turn soft. Stir often to keep it from burning. Proper simmering makes the soup rich and tasty. Keep the heat low after boiling. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and develop. Pro Tips Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your soup greatly depends on the tomatoes. Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes for the best taste. Adjust Acidity with Sugar: If your soup tastes too acidic, adding a teaspoon of sugar can help balance the flavors without making it sweet. Add Fresh Basil at the End: To retain its vibrant flavor and aroma, add the fresh basil just before serving rather than during cooking. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pairing your soup with crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping and adds a rustic touch to your meal. {{image_4}} To make your soup creamy, add heavy cream. This gives a rich, velvety texture. Start with half a cup. Stir it in after blending the soup. If you want a lighter option, use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut. These choices can also add a unique flavor. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also use fresh jalapeños or crushed chili peppers. Both will give your soup a nice kick. Remember, a little spice can go a long way! You can add other vegetables to the soup. Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Adjust cooking times as needed. For harder veggies, add them with the onions. Softer ones can go in with the tomatoes. This way, all veggies will be tender and flavorful. After enjoying your Rustic Tomato Basil Soup, let it cool first. Place the soup in a clean container. Use an airtight container for the best results. If you have a lot, divide the soup into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat later. To freeze the soup, first cool it to room temperature. Then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove until it's warm. In the fridge, your soup lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it out. Fresh basil may wilt, and the soup may separate. These are signs it's time to say goodbye. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often picked at their peak ripeness. This gives them great flavor. They save you time too. However, they can be softer than fresh ones. Fresh tomatoes give a brighter taste and texture. If you use canned, try whole or crushed tomatoes. Look for low-sodium options for a healthier choice. To make this soup vegan, replace the heavy cream. Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead. Both add creaminess without dairy. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan too. You can also skip the sugar if you prefer. This soup stays tasty and comforting without any animal products. This soup pairs well with many sides. Try crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping. A simple green salad adds freshness too. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic match. You can also serve it with garlic bread for extra flavor. Each of these options complements the soup's rich taste perfectly. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Rustic Tomato Basil Soup. We covered the essential and optional ingredients you can use. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, simmering, and blending the soup. We shared tips for enhancing flavor, serving ideas, and techniques for better cooking. Lastly, I provided information on storage and variations of the soup. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Enjoy making this soup your own!$

Rustic Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

6 large ripe tomatoes, diced into medium pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 cups vegetable broth or stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
to taste salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

In a spacious pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they turn soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes.
Once the soup is well simmered, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
After blending, stir in the chopped fresh basil, then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, incorporate the heavy cream to deepen the flavor and richness. Heat the soup gently over low heat until warmed through, but avoid boiling.
Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

Notes

Ladle the hot soup into warm bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.

Keyword basil, soup, tomato, vegetarian