This tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for any season. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a vibrant and aromatic soup that is both nourishing and delicious. It's a simple recipe that can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.
While most of the ingredients for this tomato basil soup are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up fresh basil leaves if you don't have them on hand. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe as it adds a unique and aromatic flavor that dried basil simply can't match. Make sure to check the produce section of your supermarket for the freshest leaves.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Olive oil: Used as the base for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the soup when cooked until translucent.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes and basil.
Tomatoes: The star ingredient, bringing a fresh and tangy taste to the soup.
Vegetable broth: Adds a savory base and helps to thin out the soup to the desired consistency.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves are essential for their aromatic and slightly sweet flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Soup
When adding the garlic to the pot, be sure to cook it only for a minute to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your soup. Additionally, when blending the soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smoother texture and easier cleanup. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, making sure to leave some space for the steam to escape to prevent any accidents.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can be used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor, which can complement the soup well.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor when minced finely.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient and often have a consistent flavor, making them a good alternative.
tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers can add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, though the soup will have a different taste.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a richer flavor, though it will no longer be vegetarian.
vegetable broth - Substitute with water with bouillon cubes: Bouillon cubes dissolved in water can mimic the flavor of vegetable broth.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used in place of fresh, though it has a more concentrated flavor. Use about one-third the amount.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh spinach leaves: Fresh spinach can add a different but complementary flavor and maintain the soup's freshness.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the soup's taste profile.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a spicy kick, though use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the soup.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used if black pepper is unavailable.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soup
How To Store / Freeze This Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
- Transfer the tomato basil soup into airtight containers. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well for this purpose.
- For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- If you plan to keep the soup longer, consider freezing it. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Label each container with the date to keep track of its freshness. This is especially helpful if you’re storing multiple batches.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the texture and flavor.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop method:
- Pour the tomato basil soup into a pot.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the soup is heated through, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Microwave method:
- Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to avoid splatters.
- Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second intervals if necessary.
Double boiler method:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer.
- Place the soup in the top pot and set it over the simmering water.
- Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through, ensuring a gentle and even heat.
Slow cooker method:
- Pour the leftover soup into the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low heat.
- Allow the soup to warm for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Oven method:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Heat in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Essential Tools for Making This Soup
Pot: A large vessel used to heat the olive oil and cook the soup ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onions, garlic, and other ingredients without scratching the pot.
Chopping board: A flat surface used for safely chopping the onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping the onion, garlic, and tomatoes efficiently.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the exact amount of olive oil.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the vegetable broth and chopped tomatoes.
Blender: Used to blend the soup until smooth after adding the basil leaves.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.
Bowls: Used for serving the finished soup.
Tasting spoon: Used to taste the soup for seasoning adjustments.
How to Save Time on Making This Soup
Use canned tomatoes: Substitute fresh tomatoes with high-quality canned tomatoes to save chopping time.
Pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-chopped onions to skip the chopping step.
Garlic paste: Use garlic paste instead of mincing fresh garlic.
Immersion blender: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup, avoiding extra dishes.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick future meals.
Pre-washed basil: Purchase pre-washed basil leaves to save time on washing and drying.
Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- 2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- 3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 4. Add chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 5. Add fresh basil leaves and blend the soup until smooth.
- 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutritional Value
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