This creamy and delicious cream of tomato soup is elevated with the addition of homemade basil pesto. The rich and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as an appetizer for a special dinner. It combines the warmth of tomato soup with the freshness of pesto, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and will surely become a favorite comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes (including the juice) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
- Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To make the pesto, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the cream of tomato soup hot, topped with a dollop of pesto.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer.
Basil is rich in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health.
Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats and may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
This soup can be easily customized by adding your favorite ingredients such as croutons, shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.