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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and nostalgia as a bowl of tomato basil soup. The Cozy Tomato Basil Embrace captures this sentiment beautifully, inviting you to indulge in a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. With its rich combination of crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, this soup not only delivers a burst of taste but also embodies the very essence of home-cooked meals.

Homestyle Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up your evenings with the Cozy Tomato Basil Embrace, a heartwarming soup that's perfect for chilly nights. This delightful recipe combines crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil for a burst of flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ideal for both seasoned chefs and kitchen beginners, this soup is simple to prepare and brings family together. Enhance your meal with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly comforting experience. Dive into the essence of home-cooked goodness!

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 (14-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes

3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarians)

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Slices of crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and softly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

    Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the vegetable broth. Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, then raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

      Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This simmering process lets the flavors meld beautifully. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.

        Blend Soup: After the simmering time, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend the soup in batches using a traditional countertop blender, blending to your desired consistency.

          Add Cream & Basil: Lower the heat to the minimum setting. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped fresh basil leaves, and the juice of the lemon. Gently warm the soup through, stirring until everything is heated; be careful not to let it boil, as this can affect the creaminess of the soup.

            Taste & Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. You may wish to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, depending on your preference for brightness and flavor.

              Serve: Ladle the warm soup into generous bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve piping hot alongside slices of crusty bread for dipping and savoring.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4-6