Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or immersion blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add canned crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Heat over low heat until warmed through, but do not boil.
5. Serve hot and garnish with additional chopped basil, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
Calories: 235
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 1,200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Olive oil: Can be substituted with vegetable oil or butter.
- Onion: Can be substituted with shallots or leeks.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Can be substituted with fresh tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or tomato puree.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Can be substituted with water and bouillon cubes or stock.
- Fresh basil: Can be substituted with dried basil or other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Heavy cream: Can be substituted with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top with croutons or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Use roasted tomatoes for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Add cooked pasta or rice for a heartier soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any accidents.
- For a smoother soup, strain the pureed mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cream.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve soup in individual bowls with a sprig of fresh basil on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh basil, croutons, grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
Grilled cheese sandwich, garlic bread, salad
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, salad, roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to use clean utensils and cookware when preparing the soup.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Tomato soup has been a popular dish in America since the late 1800s. It was often served as a first course in formal dinners and was considered a luxury item due to the cost of fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes became widely available in the early 1900s, making tomato soup more accessible to the masses.
Flavor profiles:
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that is both sweet and savory. The addition of fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note to the soup.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort meal.
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