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To make this warm and tasty soup, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, finely chopped - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped - 2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients form the heart of your soup. Olive oil adds richness, while onion and garlic give depth. Carrots and celery build a great flavor base. Crushed tomatoes create a smooth texture, and broth brings it all together. Don’t forget the oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper for that perfect taste. You can also enhance your soup with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - Optional: Crusty bread or croutons for serving Heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well. Fresh basil leaves give a bright flavor to the soup. Serving it with crusty bread or croutons makes it even more fun to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps below. To begin, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, I add 1 medium onion, diced into small pieces. I sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. It should become soft and translucent. This step builds the soup’s base flavor. Next, I stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 finely chopped carrot, and 1 finely chopped celery stalk. I continue to cook these vegetables for another 5 minutes. They need to soften and blend well together. This mix gives the soup a rich taste and a lovely aroma. After the vegetables soften, I pour in 2 cans of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. I stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. This is where the soup starts to take shape. Now, I add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. I bring the soup to a boil and then lower the heat. I let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Once the soup has simmered, I add 1 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. I let them wilt in the soup for about 2 minutes. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. Now, it's time to blend. I can use an immersion blender for quick blending right in the pot. If I use a regular blender, I must be careful. I let the soup cool a bit before blending in batches. This prevents splatter and burns. I blend until smooth. After blending, I return the soup to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. I heat it gently until warm. Finally, I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. The soup is now ready to serve. For the full experience, I recommend serving it hot with crusty bread or croutons. Enjoy the comforting and flavorful dish! To get the best flavor from your Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup, let it simmer. This helps the flavors blend well. As it cooks, taste the soup. You can add more salt or pepper based on your liking. Don't rush this step; it makes a big difference. You can save time by prepping your ingredients ahead. Chop your veggies like onion, garlic, and carrot the day before. This makes cooking faster. Also, consider using store-bought broth or canned tomatoes. They can cut down your cooking time without losing flavor. Garnishing your soup can make it look special. Add a swirl of cream on top and sprinkle fresh basil. It adds color and taste. For serving, pair the soup with crusty bread or crunchy croutons. This makes every bite more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions. {{image_2}} You can make this soup even better for you. Try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This option gives a nice, rich taste while keeping it dairy-free. If you want to cut down on sodium, use low-sodium broth instead of regular broth. This change keeps the soup tasty without too much salt. Want to boost the flavor? You can add shredded chicken or beans for some protein. Both options make the soup more filling. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. These herbs add a new layer of flavor that complements the basil nicely. For a fun twist, try Italian flavors. Add a spoonful of pesto or sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Both ingredients bring a rich taste that matches the soup. If you want a Mediterranean flair, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These ingredients create a unique and tasty variation on the classic soup. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store leftover soup in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can refrigerate it for up to five days. Make sure to cool the soup before sealing the container. Freezing is a great way to save extra soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If the soup is too thick after freezing, add a little broth or water. This will help bring it back to the right consistency. Enjoy your warm, flavorful soup again! To add heat, consider these easy options: - Red pepper flakes: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon while cooking. - Chili powder: Stir in 1 teaspoon when you add the tomatoes. - Hot sauce: A few dashes can make a big difference. - Jalapeños: Add diced fresh jalapeños for a fresh kick. Each of these ideas can enhance the flavor and heat of your soup. Start small, then taste and adjust as needed. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Here are tips for substituting: - Choose ripe tomatoes: Use 2 to 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. - Blanch and peel: Boil them briefly, then remove the skins for a smooth texture. - Adjust liquid: Since fresh tomatoes have more water, reduce the vegetable broth to 3 cups. This swap can bring a bright, fresh taste to your soup. Yes, you can make it vegan! Here are some easy swaps: - Replace heavy cream: Use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. - Check broth: Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, plant-based version of this comforting dish. For the full recipe, check the details above! You now have a complete guide to making Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for flavor. You also learned about variations you can try and how to store leftovers. This soup is simple but full of flavor. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Whether you keep it classic or add your twist, this dish will please everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up with a bowl of delicious Tuscan Tomato Basil Soup that combines rich flavors and fresh ingredients! This easy recipe features tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy goodness, perfect for cozy nights. Learn how to make this hearty dish in just 45 minutes, and impress your family or guests with the stunning presentation.
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

2 cans (14 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

Optional: Crusty bread or croutons for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic, chopped carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

      Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

        Add dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

          Just before finishing, stir in the torn basil leaves and let them wilt into the soup for about 2 minutes.

            Using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches, blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending and handle carefully to avoid splatter.

              Return the blended soup to the pot, and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup gently until warmed through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves and a side of crusty bread or croutons if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into bowls, swirl a little extra cream on top, and sprinkle with fresh basil for a beautiful finish. Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping.