Tomato soup with basil

Here’s a delicious recipe for Tomato Soup with Basil:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes (or 4 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (optional, for a smoother texture)
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamier soup)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce (if using), and broth. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you might want to cook them for a bit longer to break them down.

3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

4. Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.

5. Season and add basil: Stir in the sugar (if using), dried basil (or fresh basil), and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using fresh basil, add it after blending for the best flavor.

6. Add cream (optional): For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or milk, and heat through.

7. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

This tomato soup is rich and flavorful, with a lovely basil aroma. Enjoy your meal!