Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14-ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Simmer Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Blend: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious as it’s hot!
4. Return to Pot: Return the blended soup to the pot and place it over low heat.
5. Add Broth & Cream: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Heat the soup until it’s warmed through but not boiling.
6. Add Basil & Season: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the creamy tomato basil soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves. Serve hot.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar.
• Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a perfect pairing.