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Cozy, comforting, and perfectly portioned, this tomato soup brims with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s a breeze to stir together, yet satisfying enough to make any meal feel special. Whether you’re serving this as a quick lunch or a romantic starter, it tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1½ cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and stir in the sugar. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, so all those flavors mingle and bloom. If you prefer a silkier texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender and whir it until smooth.
Return the blended soup to the saucepan (if needed) and stir in the heavy cream, if you like your soup on the richer side. Taste, then season with salt and pepper. Ladle into two soup bowls, and top each with a sprinkling of fresh basil.
For a little extra flourish, drizzle with a touch more olive oil or swirl in additional cream. Serve warm, alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
This recipe is the perfect fit when cooking for a small household or craving a light meal. The combination of fresh and pantry ingredients keeps things simple, while the option to add cream accommodates different preferences for richness. Feel free to swap in low-sodium broth or use less salt if you need a healthier version, or experiment with herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean twist. However you tweak it, this sun-kissed tomato soup is guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
