Tomato and Basil Soup (Printable Version)

Silky tomato and basil soup finished with olive oil. Ready in 40 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3.3 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 - 3 cups vegetable stock
05 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

→ Herbs & Seasoning

06 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves, picked
07 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional

→ Garnish

10 - Extra fresh basil leaves
11 - Additional extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
03 - Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until they soften and release their natural juices.
04 - Pour in vegetable stock, add salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
05 - Add basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish. Blend soup using an immersion blender until silky smooth, or work in batches with a standard blender.
06 - Taste soup and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity balance as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It captures that intense summer sweetness without needing any heavy creams or thickeners.
  • The fresh basil hit at the very end creates an aroma that store bought cans can never replicate.
02 -
  • Adding a pinch of sugar is not about sweetness but about cutting through the natural metallic edge of the tomatoes.
  • If you blend the soup while it is piping hot be sure to hold the lid down with a towel to avoid a kitchen explosion.
03 -
  • Wait until the soup has cooled slightly before blending to get the most vibrant color.
  • Store any leftovers in a glass jar because plastic containers will likely get stained orange forever.
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