Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Tomatoes:

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Season and Add Herbs:

• Add the dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Blend the Soup:

• Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it's smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and use a countertop blender to blend in batches.

5. Return to Heat:

• Return the blended soup to the pot and place it over low heat.

6. Add Cream and Fresh Basil:

• Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh basil. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

7. Adjust the Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls. If desired, garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh basil leaf.

9. Enjoy!

• Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or croutons. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and its rich, savory flavors are sure to delight your taste buds.

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a classic comfort dish, and making it from scratch at home allows you to enjoy its delicious flavors and aromatic herbs. It's a perfect option for a cozy dinner or a light, flavorful lunch. Enjoy!