Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup?
It is a comforting Italian-style soup made from ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic, typically served with Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 65 calories.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of tomatoes, chicken stock, fresh basil, garlic, yellow onion, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it uses chicken stock. To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for this soup?
You should score an X on the bottom, blanch them in boiling water for 15-30 seconds, peel the skins, and remove the seeds before dicing.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This soup contains 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
What kind of oil should I use for sautรฉing?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sautรฉ the onions?
Sautรฉ the finely chopped yellow onion for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
How long do I cook the garlic?
Cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
What is the recommended simmering time?
The soup should simmer for roughly 30 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
Can I make the soup chunky or creamy?
Yes, you can use a blender for a creamy consistency or an immersion blender for a chunkier texture.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Stir in the finely chopped basil after the soup has been pureed and reheated.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish each bowl with a spoonful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped basil leaves.
What type of onion is best?
A standard yellow onion is recommended for its flavor profile.
Is this soup considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it steaming hot with a side of crusty bread for a classic rustic Italian experience.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
While the recipe specifies fresh tomatoes for the best flavor, you could substitute them if fresh ones are unavailable.
How do I remove tomato seeds?
After peeling and halving the tomatoes, gently squeeze them to remove the seeds.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken stock.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your chicken stock to be certain.
What seasoning is used?
The soup is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How much Parmesan cheese should I prepare?
Have 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese ready for garnishing.
Is this a good recipe for autumn?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an autumn recipe and a comfort food.
What tools do I need to blend the soup?
You can use a standard blender, a food processor, or an immersion blender.
How many total ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Why is the soup called 'Rustic'?
It is called rustic because it uses simple, fresh ingredients and traditional Italian cooking methods like simmering and hand-peeling.