Welcome to a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! Our Luscious Carrot Tomato Basil Soup is not just a dish; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors that combines the sweetness of fresh carrots, the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, and the aromatic essence of basil. Perfect for any time of year, this Italian-inspired soup is a wholesome delight that’s as easy to make as it is to savor. Ready to discover the secret to creating this creamy, comforting bowl of goodness? Dive into our recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping carrots, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Ensure fresh basil leaves are washed and finely chopped.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add chopped carrots to the pot and stir, allowing them to begin softening and absorbing the onion and garlic flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until carrots are completely tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Stir in fresh chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to distribute basil evenly.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of cream.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your soup relies heavily on the freshness of your vegetables. Opt for organic carrots and ripe tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
- Sautéing Technique: When sautéing the onions, make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The goal is to achieve a translucent look, which adds sweetness to the soup.
- Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to a standard blender. Always blend in batches to avoid spills.
- Basil Freshness: Add the basil at the end to preserve its vibrant flavor and color. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different twist.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is for a delightful texture contrast.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of croutons, or a dollop of cream for added richness.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
