Tomato Basil Soup

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when its ingredients blend together to create that perfect harmony of flavors. This recipe takes just a handful of simple ingredients and turns them into a delightful tomato basil soup that’s perfect for any cozy afternoon or rainy day. Honestly, it’s the kind of soup that warms not only your belly but also your heart. And let’s face it, there are days when all you need is a little love in the form of food!

Ingredients

– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Ah, the beauty of simple ingredients! I remember the first time I made this soup—I thought I had everything under control until I realized I had used way too much garlic. (Spoiler alert: it still tasted amazing!) Just be careful not to burn your onions, or you end up with that bitter taste that nobody wants.

Prep Time

About 10 minutes. If you’re like me and whoops, there goes another onion onto the floor, maybe add a few extra minutes!

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This recipe is great for meal prep! You could easily double it—just watch those pot sizes! I’ve learned that when I double recipes, there’s always the unplanned overflow that makes my kitchen look like a tomato factory exploded.

Now, let’s get cooking! Start by heating that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat—there’s something therapeutic about watching it shimmer. Toss in the diced onion and let it sauté; it’s almost like they’re having a little dance party in there. Add the garlic, and oh boy, if you don’t smell that delicious aroma within seconds, you might be doing something wrong.

Once you’ve poured in your crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, it’s like a gorgeous crimson wave spilling over. Then sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous—because a tiny bit of heat can make a world of difference!

Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, and trust me, your kitchen will become the coziest spot in the house. When it’s time to blend everything together, don’t be shy! A quick taste test before serving can save a bowlful of disappointment. Just remember to add a bit more salt or basil if you feel like it needs some love.

There it is—a bowl of pure joy, served hot, and garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or some fresh basil if you feel fancy! Enjoy your creation, and don’t forget: it’s not about perfection; it’s about sharing a moment with something you made. Happy slurping!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and so soft that it practically melts in your mouth, which should take about 5 minutes. You want it tender, not crispy!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Now, add the minced garlic into the mix. Cook it for just 1 minute while stirring constantly. Garlic burns quickly, and that burnt taste is definitely not what we’re aiming for. You should start smelling that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the entire 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes along with 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth. Give everything a big stir to combine, making sure that all those delicious flavors are getting to know each other.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add in the chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and if you’re in the mood for a little extra kick, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well again to distribute all the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Bring the soup up to a simmer—this means small bubbles should be coming up, not a full-on boil. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the time for those flavors to meld together, so don’t rush it!

Step 6: Blend for Smoothness

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors are singing, remove it from heat. Here comes the fun part! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until silky. Just watch out for hot splashes, yikes!

Step 7: Taste Test

Now, take a moment to taste your creation. Does it need a touch more salt or pepper? Adjust as necessary. This is your soup, so make it just the way you like it!

Step 8: Serve It Up

Dish out the soup hot, and if you want to add a fancy touch, garnish with more fresh basil or drizzle a little olive oil on top. There you go! You’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness.

Notes

Customize It!

Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers if you want to amp up the nutrition!

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in the fridge for about a week. It also freezes beautifully—just make sure to let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crusty loaf of bread or some grilled cheese for a cozy meal. Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy!

Cook techniques

Sautéing onions

When you heat up olive oil and toss those diced yellow onions in, patience is key. Low to medium heat is your friend here, giving the onions time to soften and turn translucent without getting crispy or burnt. Stir every now and then to keep everything even. I’ve had my share of impatient moments throwing on higher heat and ended with little brown bits no one asked for!

Cooking garlic gently

Garlic cooks super fast and can switch from golden to burnt in 30 seconds flat. After your onions are soft and sweet-smelling, stir in the minced garlic for just about a minute, keeping it moving so it smells amazing but doesn’t taste bitter. Garlic’s that secret flavor booster, but it’s easy to ruin if you don’t watch closely.

Simmering for flavor melding

After adding crushed tomatoes and broth, simmering gently for 15-20 minutes is where the magic happens. This slow cook time lets all those fresh basil notes and spices mingle and deepen. I usually set a timer, but sometimes get caught up and stir every few minutes to keep things happy and prevent sticking.

Pureeing with an immersion blender

Using an immersion blender right in the pot lets you get that silky smooth texture without hauling a hot soup across the kitchen. Careful with splatters though—last week I forgot and got tomato soup on the ceiling. If you don’t have one, transferring soup in batches to a blender works just as well, but mind that it’s hot and steam can be sneaky.

Adjusting seasoning to taste

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are the final touch. Taste your soup before serving and add a bit more salt or pepper if it feels like it’s missing something. Sometimes I’m lazy and skip this step, and well, the difference is noticeable. A little extra love at the end really brings everything together.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

Absolutely! Just peel, seed, and finely chop fresh tomatoes, then simmer a bit longer to break them down into a sauce-like consistency. It’s a bit more work but bursting with fresh flavor. I tried that last summer and honestly, it was worth the extra effort (plus, my kitchen smelled amazing).

What can I substitute for vegetable broth?

Water works in a pinch, but the soup won’t have quite as rich a flavor. You could also use chicken broth if you’re not vegan or want a meatier base. One time I forgot broth entirely and just seasoned the soup more aggressively, which saved the day.

How spicy does it get with red pepper flakes?

That 1/4 teaspoon will add a gentle background warmth, nothing overwhelming. If you like more heat, feel free to add more gradually. I always start small and then sneak in additional flakes after blending if it doesn’t bite enough.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Actually, the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. Just reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. I always make a double batch for this reason—leftover tomato soup is a lifesaver for busy evenings.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Not at all, if you prefer chunkier textures, skip the blender step. The sautéed onions and garlic give it plenty of body. Personally, I prefer smooth but sometimes I’m in a rush and just serve it as is—still tasty!

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the richness of a homemade soup, especially when it’s made with such simple yet flavorful ingredients. This crushed tomato soup recipe is a cozy companion for any chilly day, and it proves that with a few basic staples, you can craft a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re savoring it with a crusty piece of bread or garnishing it with a fresh drizzle of olive oil, each spoonful is a warm hug for your taste buds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to blend your way to a delicious bowl of goodness. Remember, the kitchen is a place for creativity, so don’t stress if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time. Just enjoy the process and embrace those kitchen moments—those are often the best stories!

Tomato Basil Pasta

A delightful combination of your crushed tomatoes and al dente pasta. Just toss the soup with cooked pasta, sprinkle with more basil, and maybe some parmesan cheese, and you have a delicious meal in no time.

Stuffed Peppers

Use the soup as a base and stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, beans, and spices. Top with cheese before baking until bubbly. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s a great way to use up ingredients.

Vegetable Risotto

Incorporate your soup into a creamy risotto for a comforting dish. Gradually add the soup to arborio rice along with some sautéed onions and garlic for a tasty twist on a classic risotto recipe.

Shakshuka

Use the crushed tomato base as a sauce for shakshuka. Simply create small wells in the sauce, crack eggs into each well, and poach until the eggs are set. Serve with crusty bread for an amazing breakfast or brunch dish.

Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese

Serve your soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combo that never fails to please. Go gourmet by adding fresh herbs or using a blend of cheeses for your sandwich.

Pizza Sauce

Transform your soup into a delicious pizza sauce! Just simmer it down to thicken, and use it as a base for your favorite toppings. Who knew a soup could be this versatile?

Chili Base

Spice it up! Use your crushed tomato soup as a base for chili. Just add beans, corn, and your favorite spices to elevate your culinary creation. It’s perfect for a game-day feast or a casual dinner with friends.

Now, get out there and whip up some magic in your kitchen! Cooking is about experimentation and finding joy in the flavors, so don’t hesitate to mix things up! Happy cooking!