Light and Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup with Cheesy Baguette Crostini
Indulge in this delightful Light and Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup that captures the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil, providing a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe is inspired by the beloved versions served at La Madeleine, yet it eliminates excessive butter and cream, making it a guilt-free choice without compromising taste. Paired with perfectly toasted baguette slices topped with a melty Italian cheese blend, this dish is ideal for a cozy dinner, casual get-together, or a heartfelt gathering. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of homemade goodness in every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
158
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing the onions and garlic)
sweet onion
1 medium (diced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
canned peeled diced tomatoes
28 ounces (or substitute with crushed tomatoes)
chicken broth
14 ounces (canned)
fresh basil leaf
1/2 cup (chopped)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
baguette
1 (cut into 12 thick slices)
olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for brushing the bread)
shredded Italian cheese blend
3/4 cup (available in most supermarkets)
Instructions
1
1. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
2
2. Stir in the canned tomatoes (either peeled diced or crushed), chicken broth, and half a cup of fresh chopped basil. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
4
4. Meanwhile, prepare the cheesy baguette crostini. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
5. Arrange the baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
6
6. Sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded Italian cheese blend on each slice. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7
7. Once the soup is ready, serve it hot in bowls and add 2 cheesy baguette crostini on the side for a delightful dipper.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
24g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Light and Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup?
This recipe is a healthier version of the classic tomato basil soup, inspired by La Madeleine, featuring fresh basil, canned tomatoes, and cheesy baguette crostini.
How many calories are in a serving of this tomato basil soup?
Each serving contains 158 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed for the soup base?
The soup base requires olive oil, sweet onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh basil.
How much fresh basil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh chopped basil leaves.
What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?
You can use 28 ounces of canned peeled diced tomatoes or substitute them with crushed tomatoes.
How long do I need to sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the diced sweet onion and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What is the simmering time for the soup?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be for the crostini?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the baguette crostini.
How much cheese is used for the baguette topping?
Use 3/4 cup of shredded Italian cheese blend, divided among the baguette slices.
How many baguette slices are prepared?
The recipe instructs to cut one baguette into 12 thick slices.
How long do the cheesy crostini bake?
Bake the crostini for 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
The tags indicate it is vegetarian, but it uses chicken broth; for a strictly vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What makes this recipe lighter than traditional versions?
It eliminates the excessive butter and cream often found in traditional tomato basil soup recipes.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in the soup and crostini?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1 clove of minced garlic.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One medium sweet onion, diced, is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
What kind of oil is used for brushing the bread?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brush the baguette slices.
Can I use kosher salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste.
How many crostini are served per bowl?
The recipe suggests adding 2 cheesy baguette crostini on the side of each bowl.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for casual dinners or gatherings.
What is the serving suggestion for this soup?
Serve the soup hot in bowls with the prepared cheesy baguette crostini as a dipper.
What is the inspiration for this specific flavor profile?
The recipe is inspired by the versions served at La Madeleine restaurants.
Does this soup use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh basil leaves for the best aromatic flavor.
What is the amount of chicken broth needed?
You will need one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.
How do I know when the crostini are done?
They are ready when the cheese is golden and bubbly and the bread is toasted.
Can I use a different cheese blend?
While the recipe calls for an Italian cheese blend, you can use any melty cheese available at your supermarket.
Is this soup a good choice for comfort food?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful comfort food that captures vibrant sun-ripened flavors.