Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (you can use fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
- Croutons (for garnish, optional)
- Grated cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Now, add the chopped tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, sugar (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and tender.
- If you prefer a creamy tomato soup, you can add the heavy cream at this stage and stir it in. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the soup is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender (in batches), carefully blend the soup until smooth. Be cautious with hot liquids in the blender to avoid accidents. If using a regular blender, leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and reheat it if needed.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, croutons, and grated cheese if you like.
Your simple and delicious tomato soup is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tomato soup offers several benefits, Here are some of the benefits of this classic soup recipe:
Rich in Nutrients: Tomato soup is made primarily from tomatoes, which are a good source of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin, while potassium is essential for proper heart function.
Lycopene Content: Tomatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives them their vibrant red color. Lycopene has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, improved heart health, and protection against UV damage to the skin.
Hydration: Tomato soup, being mostly liquid, can contribute to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep you hydrated.
Weight Management: A bowl of tomato soup can be a good option for those trying to manage their weight. It’s generally low in calories and can help you feel fuller, which may reduce overall calorie intake.
Digestive Health: Tomatoes contain fiber, which aids in digestion and can help prevent constipation.
Heart Health: The combination of tomatoes and olive oil in the soup provides a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health.
Eye Health: The vitamin A present in tomatoes is essential for maintaining good vision and eye health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The ingredients in tomato soup, including garlic and herbs like basil and oregano, contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Comforting and Satiating: Tomato soup is a comforting and warm dish that can be satisfying on a chilly day, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Easy to Customize: This recipe can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences or health needs. It can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting the cream. Additionally, you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your taste.
