Description
A comforting homemade tomato soup that warms the soul with fresh ingredients and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes (or 2 cans of whole tomatoes, with juice)
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, stirring occasionally until it begins to turn translucent—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Toss in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery, cooking everything together for another 5 minutes.
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them up and add them to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. If you’re opting for canned tomatoes, simply add them along with their juice. Stir in the sugar (if using), dried oregano, and fresh or dried basil.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. If you prefer a smooth tomato soup, use an immersion blender to purée the mixture right in the pot.
- For that extra creamy touch, stir in the heavy cream (if using) and heat the soup gently on low without bringing it to a boil.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
Great with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg