Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Croutons or shredded Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion:
- In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes:
- Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Blend:
- Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
7. Add Cream (Optional):
- If you’d like a creamy tomato soup, return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup over low heat, being careful not to let it boil. Stir until it’s well heated.
8. Check Consistency:
- Check the consistency of the soup. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth or cream to reach your preferred thickness.
9. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
10. Serve:
- Ladle the hot tomato soup into bowls.
11. Garnish:
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil or parsley.
12. Optional: Top with croutons or shredded Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
13. Enjoy your homemade tomato soup! It’s a classic and comforting dish that pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread.