Creamy tomato & basil soup
Tomato Soup is a classic and popular soup recipe that has been loved for generations. It is a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways from simple and comforting to flavourful and elegant. Tomato soup is loved by people of all ages and is consumed in many households, especially during the colder months. Its rich, creamy texture and delicious tomato flavor make it a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
There are many benefits to making homemade soup, including:
Quality Ingredients: You can use fresh, high-quality ingredients and control the amount of salt and other additives in your soup.
Customizable: You can customize the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Cost-effective: Making soup at home can be more economical than buying pre-made soup.
Comforter: Homemade soup can be comforting, nutritious, and perfect for cold or rainy days.
Leftovers: You can make a big batch of soup and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
Now that we have covered the benefits of making homemade soup, let us move on to the recipe for Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and puree the soup until smooth, using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a blender.
- Return soup to pot and stir in heavy cream and chopped basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the soup till hot and serve hot.
- Enjoy your delicious and homemade Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup!
Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup:
Use high quality canned tomatoes. The flavor of the soup depends heavily on the quality of the canned tomatoes used. So, for a rich, deep and authentic tomato flavor, use good quality canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes.
Sauté the onions and garlic. Sautéing the onions and garlic until soft and translucent brings out their natural sweetness and flavor, and is an important step in making a delicious soup.
Don’t overcook the soup. Overcooking the soup can lose its bright color and fresh flavor, so be careful not to overcook it. Once the soup comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for only 10 minutes.
Use an immersion blender. Pureeing the soup with an immersion blender gives it a smoother and creamier texture than using a regular blender.
Here are some ways to serve soup:
Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup is a comforting and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ways to serve soup:
With Croutons: Top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons for extra crunch.
With Grilled Cheese: Serve the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich and enjoy.
With Garlic Bread: Spread some garlic butter on a slice of bread and toast it till it turns golden brown. Serve it with soup for a delicious meal.
With a Drizzle of Olive Oil: Drizzle some high-quality olive oil over the soup for a touch of richness and flavor.
With a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche: Add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to the soup for a creamy and tangy flavor.
With a Sprinkle of Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the soup for a cheesy and savory flavor.
With a Side Salad: Serve the soup with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
These are just a few ways to serve the soup, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings and sides to make your own unique version of this classic soup.
Here are some ideas for garnish:
Fresh Basil Leaves: Add a few fresh basil leaves over the soup for color and fresh herb flavor.
Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons are a classic garnish for soup. You can make them even tastier by adding some garlic or herbs to them.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the soup for a salty and savory flavor.
Roasted Pine Nuts: Roasted pine nuts add a nutty and crunchy texture to the soup. You can also use other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Sour cream or crème fraîche: Pour a little sour cream or crème fraîche over the soup for a tangy and creamy flavor.
Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the top of the soup for a spicy kick.
Drizzle Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon bits are a delicious garnish that adds a smoky and savory flavor to the soup.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted cherry tomatoes add sweetness and tangy to the soup.
FAQ
Q: What is Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
A: Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup is a soup made with tomatoes, cream and fresh basil. This is a classic soup that is loved by many.
Question: What are the ingredients needed to make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
A: The ingredients needed to make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup are tomatoes, onions, garlic, vegetable stock, heavy cream, fresh basil, butter, salt and pepper.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes to make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
Answer: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes to make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup. However, using fresh tomatoes will give the soup a more vibrant and fresh flavor.
Question: Can I make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup without cream?
Answer: Yes, you can make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup without cream. Instead of cream, you can use coconut milk, almond milk or cashew cream to get a similar creamy texture.
Q: Can I make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup vegan?
A: Yes, you can make Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup vegan by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and using a non-dairy cream substitute.
Q: How do I store Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
A: Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Question: How do I reheat Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
A: To reheat Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup, simply heat it in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup?
Answer: Yes, you can add other ingredients to Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup, such as roasted red peppers, carrots, or celery, to enhance the flavor and texture. You can also add croutons, cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor.
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