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- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Croutons for topping - Drizzle of balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste Rustic Tomato Basil Soup shines with fresh, simple ingredients. You start with ripe tomatoes, whether fresh or canned. They provide the base for this hearty soup. Adding a medium onion and three cloves of garlic boosts flavor. A diced carrot adds a touch of sweetness. Vegetable broth ties everything together, making it warm and inviting. Fresh basil gives this soup its signature taste. You should chop it roughly, as it will release its oils and aroma. For those who want extra crunch, croutons on top are great. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet tang to each bowl. Seasoning is key. Olive oil helps to sauté the onion and carrot. Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Salt and pepper round out the taste, making it truly delightful. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy creating this comforting dish! - Chop vegetables and gather ingredients. - Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. - Sauté onion and carrot for about 5 minutes. This softens them. - Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Watch the garlic closely. - Incorporate diced tomatoes, sugar, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes. - Blend the soup until smooth. Use an immersion blender for ease. - Stir in fresh basil after blending. This adds a bright flavor. - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. Taste and tweak as needed. You can find the full recipe to guide you through this process. Enjoy the warm and savory delight of rustic tomato basil soup! To make your Rustic Tomato Basil Soup truly shine, start with ripe, in-season tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes pack a punch in taste. They give your soup a bright and rich flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, high-quality canned tomatoes work well too. Next, don’t skip the herbs and spices. Fresh basil is key here. It adds a lovely aroma and flavor. You can also add a pinch of oregano or thyme for extra depth. A touch of sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes, making the soup taste sweeter and smoother. When it comes to blending, I prefer using an immersion blender. It’s easier and quicker. You can blend the soup right in the pot. This method saves time and cuts down on cleanup. However, if you like a chunkier soup, blend only half of it. A standard blender works too, but be careful. Hot soup can splatter. Always blend in small batches to avoid mess. For a great presentation, serve your soup in warm bowls. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice touch. It enhances the flavor and looks pretty. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Croutons on top add a fun crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This gives it a fresh look and flavor. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can swap fresh tomatoes for canned ones in this soup. Canned tomatoes save time and still taste great. Just choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Adding cream to the soup gives it a rich texture. Pour in a splash while blending. This addition creates a velvety feel that many love. Rustic tomato basil soup may change by region. Each area has its twist, using local flavors and ingredients. For example, in the South, you might find a hint of heat from peppers. In Italy, you might find extra herbs for depth. You can make this soup unique by adding local ingredients. Think of fresh corn, bell peppers, or even local cheeses. These choices offer a fresh take on a classic dish. To make this soup vegan, skip the cream. You can use coconut milk instead for creaminess. This keeps the flavors rich while ensuring it meets vegan needs. For gluten-free options, confirm your broth is gluten-free. Many broths contain gluten, so check labels. This way, everyone can enjoy this warm and savory delight. After making your Rustic Tomato Basil Soup, let it cool down. Store leftover soup in a container with a tight lid. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. You can also use zip-top bags, but make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. To freeze your soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label each container with the date. For best results, use the soup within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm. Stir gently to keep the flavor intact. In the fridge, this soup lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it properly, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes have benefits. They can save time. They also have ripe flavors sealed at peak freshness. This can enhance your soup. You can choose whole, diced, or crushed varieties. Each offers a different texture. Canned tomatoes often have added juices, giving more flavor. If you use them, adjust seasoning. You might need less salt. Reheating is easy. You can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. This keeps the flavors intact. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots. Yes, this soup is great for freezing. It holds its flavor well. To freeze, let it cool completely. Pour it into airtight containers. Leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion. When you want to eat it, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove. Your soup will taste fresh and tasty. This blog post highlighted how to make a delicious Rustic Tomato Basil Soup. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best flavor. We also explored variations, dietary options, and storage methods. Making this soup can be fun and rewarding. I hope you feel ready to try it. Enjoy the warmth and taste this dish brings, whether for yourself or to share with others. Cooking is a journey, and this recipe is a great place to start.

13. Rustic Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up with this delicious rustic tomato basil soup recipe that's perfect for cozy days! Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and just the right balance of flavors, this easy soup is ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you pair it with croutons or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and add this comforting recipe to your cooking repertoire!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

Croutons for topping (optional)

Drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened.

    Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the diced tomatoes to the pot along with the teaspoon of sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tomatoes to break down.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.

          Once simmered, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently if necessary before serving.

              If desired, serve the soup topped with croutons and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | 4 servings