Tomato and basil soup
Tomato and Basil Soup – a simple and comforting delight
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Tomato basil soup is a classic dish, perfect for cool days or a quick and healthy lunch. This simple recipe brings together the fresh flavors of vegetables and the sweetness of tomatoes, enveloped in a fragrant note of basil. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious soup that will delight your family’s taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 200 ml vegetable broth (or water, if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. Grate the carrot on a small grater, and crush the garlic with a knife or a special tool. These will form the base of your soup, bringing a deep and aromatic flavor.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a medium pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, sautéing the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This step is crucial for releasing the flavors of the vegetables.
3. Adding the garlic: When the onion and carrot have softened, add the crushed garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it, as garlic becomes bitter if fried too much.
4. Including the tomatoes: Pour the can of chopped tomatoes over the sautéed vegetables, along with the vegetable broth. Mix well, then let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time will allow the flavors to combine and develop a rich and intense taste.
5. Blending and finishing: After the soup has simmered, use an immersion blender to turn it into a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step. After blending, add the sour cream (if using) and the chopped basil, mixing well.
6. Serving: The tomato basil soup is served hot, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves for an appealing look. It is delicious alongside flavored croutons or a slice of toasted bread.
Practical tips:
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more authentic taste. Use about 1 kg of ripe, peeled, and chopped tomatoes.
- For a more intense flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste during simmering.
- If you like a spicy note, you can add a pinch of chili pepper or a dash of Tabasco sauce.
- This soup can be transformed into a delicious vegetarian dish if you use water instead of vegetable broth.
Tomato and basil soup is an excellent choice for a quick lunch, as well as for a comforting dinner. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the perfect combination of flavors!
Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 can of tomatoes, 200 ml of vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 handful of basil
