Cozy Comfort Food: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits. Today’s recipe is a classic Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, perfect for cozy evenings or as a complement to a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make from scratch!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes)

  • 1 cup vegetable broth

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • Optional toppings:

    • Croutons

    • Shredded Parmesan cheese

    • A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

  3. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Tomatoes

  1. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with their juice) to the pot.

  2. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

  1. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.

  2. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender in batches.

  3. Blend until smooth and return the soup to the pot.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings

  1. Stir in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

  2. Add heavy cream or coconut milk, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.

  3. Cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

  4. Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.

  2. Garnish with croutons, shredded Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and extra basil leaves.

  3. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and Delicious: The perfect balance of creamy and tangy with the freshness of basil.

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce for an easy, wholesome meal.

  • Versatile: Can be adapted for dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free diets.

Try this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and let us know how it turned out! Share your tweaks and serving suggestions in the comments below. Stay warm and enjoy every spoonful.

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