Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons
Preparation Time:
15 min
Ingredients:
- 400g of canned whole tomatoes
- 200ml of vegetable broth
- 100g of fresh basil leaves
- 150ml of heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 50g of stale bread, cubed
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions:
The saucepan with olive oil should be heated at medium heat as the first procedure. Add chopped onions to the saucepan after heating olive oil at medium temperature. Regular stirring will achieve their soft translucent state within five minutes of cooking. The minced garlic requires a brief stir while you wait for the kitchen to fill with an outstanding fragrance (30 seconds to one minute).
After adding the cans of tomatoes and vegetable broth you should season with desired salt and pepper. Let everything boil at first before lowering heat and allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 20 minutes until all tastes unite.
Lift the soup from heat and blend it smoothly using an immersion blender as your primary tool to achieve this step. Reintroduce the blended mixture to the pot followed by heavy cream and fresh basil leaves before allowing it to warm for 5 minutes.
For those perfect garlic croutons: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Mix the bread cubes with olive oil while adding minced garlic and small amounts of salt until all components achieve proper coating. Place the croutons on a baking tray and let them bake at 180°C (356°F) until they turn golden brown and crispy throughout the period of 10-15 minutes.
Present the hot soup in bowls with large crouton portions that emerge from home-made garlic croutons on each serving. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Macros:
- Total Calories: 440kcal
- Carbs: 35g
- Proteins: 8g
- Fats: 25g
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic Croutons is a classic comfort food that combines the rich, tangy flavor of tomatoes with the fresh aroma of basil and the smoothness of cream. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. The homemade garlic croutons add a delightful crunch that complements the velvety texture of the soup, making each spoonful a wonderful experience.
Using canned whole tomatoes provides a deep and natural tomato flavor that is both convenient and consistent year-round. The tomatoes are cooked down gently with vegetable broth to create a balanced base, allowing their natural sweetness and acidity to develop fully. This slow simmering step is essential to building a soup that tastes rich and complex without being overpowering.
Sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning builds a fragrant foundation for the soup. The onions soften and develop sweetness, while the garlic adds a subtle pungency that enhances the overall flavor profile. This simple step elevates the soup beyond basic tomato soup and brings out a more nuanced taste.
Blending the soup to a silky smooth consistency is what transforms this dish from a chunky stew into a luscious, creamy delight. Using an immersion blender directly in the pot is not only convenient but helps retain the fresh flavors by blending all ingredients evenly without losing any liquid. Adding heavy cream at the end softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
Fresh basil is added towards the end of cooking to preserve its bright and fragrant qualities. The herb imparts a fresh, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the richness of the cream and the tang of the tomatoes. This step also infuses the soup with a lovely green color, enhancing its visual appeal.
Garlic croutons are the perfect crunchy topping that brings contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. Using stale bread is an excellent way to reduce waste, and roasting the cubes with garlic and olive oil intensifies their flavor. The crispy croutons soak up some of the soup while maintaining their crunch, creating an irresistible combination of textures.
This soup is versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Pairing it with a fresh salad or a grilled cheese sandwich turns it into a hearty meal. It also freezes well, making it ideal for preparing in advance. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this creamy tomato basil soup with garlic croutons is sure to impress and satisfy.
