Crystal Clear Tomato-Basil Elixir
Impress your guests with this stunningly clear Tomato-Basil Elixir, a light and refreshing take on traditional tomato soup. This recipe transforms fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil into a delicate soup that boasts an unparalleled clarity, both in presentation and flavor. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sophisticated starter, this vibrant elixir is subtly sweetened and expertly seasoned, allowing the rich essence of the tomatoes and herbs to shine through. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for an extraordinary dining experience!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
6 lbs (large dice)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1 bunch (roughly chopped)
Confectioners' Sugar
3 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the tomatoes into large dice and roughly chopping the basil leaves. This will help release their flavors during blending.
2
In a blender, combine the tomatoes, basil, confectioners' sugar, and salt in batches to ensure that everything stays coarse and not pureed. Blend for only a few seconds each batch.
3
Taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar as needed to balance the flavors.
4
Once blended, transfer the mixture into a cheesecloth bag that you have fashioned. Suspend the bag over a bowl and let it drip for 6 hours or, preferably, overnight. Be sure to discard the initial drops of liquid as they may appear red.
5
After the draining time, the remaining liquid should be crystal clear. Avoid squeezing the bag to maintain this clarity.
6
Carefully spoon the clear elixir into individual serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crystal Clear Tomato-Basil Elixir?
It is a light, transparent, and refreshing soup that captures the pure essence of tomatoes and basil without the weight of a traditional puree.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 lbs of tomatoes, chopped into a large dice.
What type of sugar is used in the elixir?
This recipe uses 3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar to provide a subtle sweetness that dissolves easily.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
It is highly recommended to use 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves to achieve the signature aromatic flavor and clarity.
How long does the straining process take?
The mixture needs to drip through a cheesecloth for at least 6 hours, though leaving it overnight is preferred.
Why shouldn't I squeeze the cheesecloth bag?
Squeezing the bag will push tomato solids through the cloth, making the elixir cloudy instead of crystal clear.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
The Crystal Clear Tomato-Basil Elixir is best served chilled or at room temperature.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe produces approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Is the Crystal Clear Tomato-Basil Elixir vegan?
Yes, the recipe consists entirely of plant-based ingredients including tomatoes, basil, sugar, and salt.
Why should I discard the initial drops of liquid?
The first few drops may contain red sediment or particles; discarding them ensures the remaining liquid stays perfectly transparent.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes before blending?
No peeling is necessary as the tomatoes are only coarsely blended and then strained through cheesecloth.
Why is the mixture blended in batches?
Blending in batches helps ensure the tomatoes remain coarse rather than being pureed into a fine liquid.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used as long as you pulse it briefly to keep the mixture coarse.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
You can garnish the elixir with additional fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a Clear Soup and works beautifully as a sophisticated appetizer.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your taste during the initial blending.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-fat dish made with fresh vegetables and herbs.
What is the secret to achieving total clarity?
The secret is gravity-straining through a fine cheesecloth bag without applying any pressure or squeezing.
What variety of tomatoes works best?
Any ripe, juicy tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom varieties will work well for this recipe.
How do I suspend the cheesecloth bag?
You can tie the bag to a wooden spoon balanced over a deep bowl or use a kitchen tripod.
Should I wash the fresh basil?
Yes, wash the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry before roughly chopping them.
Can I make this soup a day in advance?
Yes, because the straining process takes several hours or overnight, it is an ideal make-ahead dish.
What does the final elixir taste like?
It has a concentrated, pure tomato flavor with aromatic herbal notes and a clean, light finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—tomatoes, basil, sugar, and salt—are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other herbs to the mixture?
While basil is traditional, you can experiment with other soft herbs like mint or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
Is the elixir high in calories?
No, it is a very low-calorie dish as it consists primarily of the natural juices of the tomatoes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover elixir in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What happens to the leftover tomato pulp?
The pulp can be used to start a pasta sauce or soup base so that nothing goes to waste.
Why use confectioners' sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Confectioners' sugar dissolves more rapidly into the tomato mixture without leaving any grit.
Can the finished elixir be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the clarity and delicate flavor balance of the soup.