Do you find yourself constantly struggling to come up with quick and easy meal ideas? Are you looking to save time or a single parent with limited time to spend in the kitchen? We’ve got the perfect recipe for you! This Tomato Basil recipe is a family favorite that has been updated with modern cooking techniques from our Home Chefs Academy, making it both delicious and simple to prepare.
This recipe is not only quick to make, but also packed with flavor. Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic come together to create a dish that is sure to impress. The best part? It can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option.
Here’s what you’ll need!
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4-6 fresh tomatoes or 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil or 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Prepare the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, slice them in half and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sweat the diced onions until they are very soft, about 15 minutes. Do not caramelize or use too much heat, as you want to create a natural sweetness by sweating the onions.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- If using canned tomatoes, add them directly to the pot. If using roasted fresh tomatoes, add them to the pot after removing the skins by using a sieve or mesh strainer.
- Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Use either a food processor or blender to blend the soup until it has a smooth texture. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave the chunks of tomatoes and onions.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped fresh basil or dried basil.
- Stir in the heavy cream, which will lighten the color of the soup and make it silky in texture. Do not continue to cook the soup after adding the heavy cream, as it may separate.
- Serve the soup with a crusty country bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy!
This recipe makes 8 servings.
