Creamy Basil-Infused Tomato Soup
Indulge in the comforting goodness of our Creamy Basil-Infused Tomato Soup, a delightful dish that strikes the perfect balance between warmth and freshness. Made with ripe, juicy tomatoes, this soup is enhanced by the fragrant aroma of fresh basil, making it a perfect dish for any season. Served hot on a chilly day, or chilled and refreshing during the summer, this soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread. Note that for optimal flavor, fresh basil should be added just before serving, while dried basil can add depth when included during cooking.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
700 g (Quartered with skin on)
Onion
1 medium (Roughly chopped)
Potato
1 medium (Cubed)
Garlic
1 clove (Crushed)
Butter or Olive oil
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Chicken stock or Vegetable stock
500 ml (N/A)
Fresh basil
2 teaspoons (Torn (add at the end) or Dried basil 1 teaspoon (add with tomatoes))
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
To taste (N/A)
Worcestershire sauce
1-2 teaspoons (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a thick-bottomed saucepan, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and cubed potato, stirring gently to combine. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, taking care not to brown them.
3
Stir in the quartered tomatoes. If using dried basil, add it along with Worcestershire sauce at this point, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed. Allow them to cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
4
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
5
Once simmered, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blitz the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a regular blender in batches if necessary. For a refined texture, pass the blended soup through a fine sieve to remove skins and seeds.
6
Return the soup to the pot, taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Tear and stir in the fresh basil, bringing the soup back to a gentle boil.
7
Serve hot for a cozy meal or chill for a refreshing cold dish. Enjoy with crusty bread!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil-Infused Tomato Soup?
It is a comforting and fresh dish made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, balanced with a creamy texture from a cooked potato.
How many calories are in this tomato soup?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
Is this tomato soup vegetarian?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil added during the cooking phase with the tomatoes.
Why is a potato included in the ingredients?
The cubed potato is used to provide a creamy texture and body to the soup without needing to add heavy cream.
Can this soup be served cold?
Yes, it is versatile and can be served hot for comfort or chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends 700g of ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes before cooking?
No, you can cook them quartered with the skin on and later sieve the blended soup to remove skins and seeds.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer covered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil to sauté the initial vegetables.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The soup contains approximately 2g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this soup?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving in this recipe.
Is Worcestershire sauce required?
No, it is an optional ingredient (1-2 teaspoons) used to add a depth of savory flavor.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup is a low-protein option, providing about 1.25g per serving.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it in batches to a regular blender.
Why should I pass the soup through a sieve?
Sieving the soup after blending ensures a refined, silky texture by removing any remaining seeds or tomato skins.
What kind of stock is recommended?
You can use 500 ml of either chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your dietary preference.
How much fiber is in the Creamy Basil-Infused Tomato Soup?
The recipe contains 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 crushed garlic clove.
When should fresh basil be added?
Fresh basil should be torn and stirred in at the very end of the process, just before serving, to maintain its aroma.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be roughly chopped for the initial sautéing step.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-fat, and low-protein dish suitable for various diets.
What should I serve with this soup?
A slice of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment for this tomato soup.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste during the simmering step.
Is this soup good for appetizers?
Yes, its light and fresh flavor makes it an excellent choice for an appetizer.
Can I use an immersion blender directly in the pot?
Yes, using an immersion blender is the easiest way to blitz the soup until smooth.
What is the primary seasoning in this soup?
The soup is primarily seasoned with fresh or dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
How do I prevent the vegetables from browning?
Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently to ensure they soften without browning.
Is the potato peeled or skin-on?
The potato should be cubed; peeling is recommended for a smoother final texture after blending.
How much total tomato weight is used?
The recipe uses 700 grams of ripe tomatoes.