Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Berner Hobelkäse cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Special equipment needed:
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream and grated Berner Hobelkäse cheese until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 1000mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Berner Hobelkäse cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as Parmesan or Asiago.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Variations:
- Add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a meaty version.
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots or celery for added nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending and less mess.
- Be careful when blending hot liquids in a regular blender, as the steam can cause the lid to pop off.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve soup in a bowl with a sprig of fresh basil on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to a safe temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Berner Hobelkäse is a traditional Swiss cheese that has been made for centuries. It is a hard cheese that is typically used for grating and melting.
Flavor profiles:
This soup is rich and creamy with a tangy tomato flavor and a hint of herbaceousness from the basil and oregano. The Berner Hobelkäse cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a comforting meal on a chilly day. It is perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Swiss