Description
A comforting and simple homemade tomato soup made from fresh ripe tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, simmered with vegetable broth and fresh basil. This recipe balances the natural acidity of tomatoes with a touch of sugar and seasonings for a smooth, aromatic soup perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 pounds Fresh Tomatoes (Ripe and juicy tomatoes for the base of the soup)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced finely to add depth and sweetness)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic (Minced for aromatic richness)
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Low-sodium broth preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for sautéing)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 handful Fresh Basil (Torn leaves to enhance flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (To balance acidity)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (Essential for seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and prepare the fresh tomatoes by removing stems and any blemishes, then chop them into quarters to create the base for the soup.
- Sauté onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender.
- Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aromatic profile.
- Cook tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing them to break down and release their natural juices.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes to meld flavors.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired smoothness, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and finish: Return the soup to low heat, stir in sugar, torn basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust the sugar to balance acidity based on the tomatoes’ natural tartness.
- For a richer soup, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a chunkier texture, blend partially or pulse with a blender instead of fully pureeing.