Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup: A Comforting Classic
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup, a velvety smooth symphony of sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil. This heartwarming classic offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a sophisticated starter. Its ease of preparation belies its rich, satisfying flavor – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This #TomatoSoup recipe is a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary taste.
Why This Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe Stands Out
There are countless tomato soup recipes out there, but this one holds a special place. The key lies in the balance. The sweetness of the tomatoes is perfectly complemented by the herbaceousness of the basil, creating a depth of flavor that's both comforting and sophisticated. The addition of cream elevates the soup to a luxurious level of creaminess without being overly heavy. This #soupRecipe is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.
Beyond the taste, this recipe shines for its simplicity and affordability. Using readily available ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for #familydinner, and it's easily customizable to suit various dietary needs. This #budgetfriendly recipe is also perfect for #comfortfood lovers.
Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup
Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28 oz / 800g) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup (40g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids!).
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat through gently, but do not boil.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations:
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ensure your vegetable broth is vegan.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while simmering for extra flavor (remove before blending).
- Roasted Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes before blending for a deeper, more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Approximate values, may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this #easyRecipe hot with crusty bread for dipping. A grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad would also be a great addition. This #basilsoup is a versatile dish that complements various side dishes.
This Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup is more than just a recipe; it's a comforting experience. It's the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and affordability. Try it tonight and let us know what you think! Share your culinary creations with us on social media using #CreamyTomatoSoup. For more budget-friendly and delicious family dinner recipes, visit our blog at FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com.