HomeLogin
Help Center
13
Dec

Tomato and Basil Soup

By
0

Tomato and Basil Soup, or Zuppa di Pomodoro e Basilico, is a timeless classic in Italian cuisine. This hearty soup celebrates the fresh and vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Tomatoes have a long history in Italian cooking, introduced to the country in the 16th century from the New World. Basil, on the other hand, has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries and is often paired with tomatoes for its complementary aroma and taste. This soup is a comforting and satisfying representation of Italian comfort food, enjoyed throughout the year.

Difficulty

  • Easy

Wine Pairings

  • Not Available

Servings For :

  • 4-6 People

Timing

  • Approximately 30 minutes of preparation and cooking

Cost

  • Inexpensive

Italy Region

  • Not Available

Calories

  • Not Available

Ingredients

  • 800g (about 28 oz) of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped (you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
  • 1 liter (about 4 1/4 cups) of vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for garnish

Preparation

  1. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then peel, seed, and chop them. If using canned tomatoes, skip this step.
  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
  5. Add the torn basil leaves to the pot, reserving a few for garnish.
  6. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired level of smoothness.
  8. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. To serve, ladle the Tomato and Basil Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
  10. Enjoy this delightful and comforting Italian soup, perfect with a slice of crusty bread.

Tomato and Basil Soup is a beloved Italian dish that embodies the beauty of simplicity and the fresh, delicious flavors of tomatoes and basil. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a light meal.