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Fresh Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This Fresh Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful classic made with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfectly sautéed vegetables and a splash of balsamic vinegar enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while a smooth puree and ricotta garnish add richness. Ideal for a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium Vidalia (sweet) onion, diced to ½”
  • 2 medium carrots, diced to ½”
  • 2 stalks celery, diced to ½”
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh julienned basil, plus more for serving

Liquids and Fats

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cups low sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Ricotta cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and foams, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Toss to coat in the fat and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown in spots, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 more minute.
  2. Deglaze with Balsamic Vinegar: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot until the bubbling stops. Continue cooking for 2-5 minutes until the vinegar has reduced or mostly absorbed, ensuring no pooling remains on the bottom.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes, sugar if using, kosher salt, dried basil, dried oregano, and the broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer Soup: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with the lid cracked open and simmer for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour, until vegetables are very soft and tomatoes have turned deep red.
  5. Blend the Soup: Add fresh julienned basil and heavy cream if using. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar as desired.
  6. Serve: Portion the soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of ricotta cheese and extra fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor. You can remove skins if desired for a smoother texture, but not necessary.
  • Note 2: Sugar is optional and helps balance acidity depending on your tomatoes.
  • Note 3: Adjust salt quantity based on the broth’s sodium level and your preference.
  • Note 4: Reducing the balsamic vinegar enhances depth and prevents a raw vinegar taste.
  • Note 5: Partially covering allows some evaporation for flavor concentration while avoiding over-thickening.

Keywords: Tomato soup, basil, creamy tomato soup, fresh tomato soup, vegetarian soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/fresh-tomato-basil-soup-recipe/