Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of heavy cream, this soup combines fresh ingredients with simple cooking techniques to create a rich and velvety texture. It’s easy to prepare and serves as a warm starter or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Oils
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash the fresh tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly, then chop the tomatoes and set aside. Dice the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes along with the vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the tomatoes.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or transferring the mixture carefully to a standard blender, blend until the soup reaches a smooth and creamy consistency with no large chunks remaining.
- Add Cream and Basil: Return the blended soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil leaves, letting the basil wilt slightly in the warm soup to infuse its aroma.
- Season and Serve: Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- You can use canned tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are out of season, but fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor.
- To enhance the soup’s texture, strain it after blending for an ultra-smooth finish.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.
