Tomato Basil Soup
Quick and Easy weeknight Soup, great with Grilled cheese or Parmesan Croutons
Equipment
- saucepan
- 1 Blender or Mixer For the creamiest version
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp EVOO
- ½ cup Carrots shredded or diced small (4 oz) 1-2 medium
- ½ cup onion, diced small or shredded ¾ (4 ox) about half a medium onion
- ¾ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 t ½dried basil if you have it
- ½ tsp black Pepper
- 28 0z can of good quality Italian whole tomatoes
- ½ L chicken stock Use vegetable stock if making vegetarian version
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan (optional) plus more for garnish (optional)
- 3 leaves Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium pot over med-hi heat, add Olive oil, carrots and onions and sauté until translucent and lightly caramelized 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the 1 t ½dried basil, ¾ tsp Kosher salt, ½ tsp black Pepper and let it cook one minute to bloom the basil.
- Add canned tomatoes (crush or mash them as you put them in-I crush them with my hands), and chicken stock and stir.
- Cook on medium for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Then Add 1 cup heavy cream and let simmer an additional 5 minutes
- Add to a blender (I use a Vitamix) and add some fresh basil (if using), blend until creamy and smooth. You may have to do this in batches and be careful when blending hot liquids. Always place a towel over the top just in case and do not fill the container more that halfway. Work in batches.
- Puree in batches until its all done. Let simmer for 5 more minutes to let flavors combine. Serve and enjoy
Notes
This is easy if you have ingredients, so stock up on some of them! I always have good quality Italian canned tomatoes in my pantry, as well as stock (chicken and vegetable).
To make this a vegetarian friendly version, make sure to use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
If I have a parmesan rind in my fridge (which I often do) I usually add a chunk (1-2") to the soup as it simmers. It adds wonderful flavor, just remember to remove it before you blend the soup.
Make it a meal by adding pre made gnocchi or serve it alsong side some garlic bread or crostini.