Delicious and comforting Tomato Basil Soup recipe

This Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a blend of spices, this soup is bursting with flavor. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed as a light lunch or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying dinner. With a preparing time of just 30 minutes, it's a quick and simple recipe that will warm you up on a chilly day. This soup falls under the category of soups and is suitable for American cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
4. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they start to caramelize.
5. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
7. Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated on the baking sheet.
8. Stir in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, and optional dried red pepper flakes.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
11. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend in batches.
12. Return the soup to the pot and reheat over low heat.
13. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
14. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
15. Ladle the tomato basil soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of heavy cream (optional) and fresh basil leaves.
16. Serve hot and enjoy!

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