Savory Spanish Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Savory Spanish Tomato Basil Soup, a delightful dish that's not only perfect for those on the HCG diet but also sure to impress anyone at your table. This hearty and nourishing soup features fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a blend of savory spices, creating a comfort food experience that's both satisfying and healthy. With each bowl, you’ll enjoy the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, all while counting towards your daily vegetable intake. Ideal for lunch or dinner, serve it warm as a flavorful appetizer or a main course, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of elegance. It’s a fulfilling choice that keeps you energized and content without compromising your dietary goals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups (liquid)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
fresh tomatoes
2 cups (chopped)
tomato paste
3 ounces (pureed)
fresh basil
6 leaves (rolled and sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (coarsely chopped)
onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry spice)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dry spice)
marjoram
1 pinch (dry spice)
sea salt
1 dash (to taste)
pepper
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, pour in the low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Heat on medium until it begins to simmer.
2
While the broth is warming, prepare the vegetable blend. In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic cloves, onions, basil leaves, garlic powder, dried oregano, marjoram, sea salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3
Once the broth is simmering, remove the bay leaf and then carefully pour the vegetable purée into the saucepan with the broth. Stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
After simmering, stir the soup one last time, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spanish Tomato Basil Soup?
It is a hearty and nourishing soup featuring fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a blend of savory spices, designed to be both satisfying and healthy.
Is this soup suitable for the HCG diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being perfect for those on the HCG diet.
What type of broth should I use for this recipe?
You can use either low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Do I need special equipment to make this soup?
Yes, you will need a food processor or blender to combine the vegetables and spices into a smooth puree.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 coarsely chopped garlic cloves.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, by using vegetable broth, the soup becomes entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is added to the broth during the initial heating phase to infuse it with aromatic flavor.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed from the broth once it is simmering and before you add the vegetable puree.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 3 ounces of tomato paste.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes dried oregano and a pinch of marjoram.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The fresh basil leaves should be rolled and sliced.
Is this soup high in sodium?
The recipe is designed to be healthy and uses low sodium broth to help manage salt intake.
What is the best way to garnish this soup?
It is recommended to garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant finish.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a flavorful appetizer or as a main course.
Does the recipe use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
The recipe uses both: 2 garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for layers of flavor.
How much onion is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped onions.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
What is the first step in making the soup?
The first step is to heat the broth and the bay leaf in a medium saucepan until it begins to simmer.
What is the texture of the vegetable blend?
The vegetables and spices are blended together until they are smooth.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, after the 30-minute simmer, you should taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total including spices and liquids.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple blending and simmering steps.
What cuisine style does this soup represent?
It reflects the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its use of tomato, basil, and garlic.
How much broth do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of broth.
Can I use sea salt?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends a dash of sea salt to taste.
Does this soup contain fat?
There is no added oil or butter in the instructions, making it very low in fat.
What is the role of marjoram in this dish?
Marjoram provides a subtle, sweet, and floral herbal note that complements the oregano and basil.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
The instructions recommend serving the soup hot.