Homemade tomato soup

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for homemade tomato soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal!

Homemade Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (or 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes), vegetable broth, sugar (if using), dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Blend the Soup:
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.)
4. Add Cream (Optional):
   • If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream and heat through.
5. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or basil as needed.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a classic pairing!

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the pot.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth!

Enjoy your warm, comforting homemade tomato soup!