Imagine diving into a velvety, aromatic soup that transports you straight to a charming French bistro with just one spoonful. The La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. Rich, creamy, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, this soup promises to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure that will have your taste buds dancing with delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Roughly chop fresh basil leaves. Just before serving, stir most of the basil into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining fresh basil leaves. Optional: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of cream on top.
Tips
- Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the most robust flavor. Fresh crushed tomatoes can elevate the soup's taste significantly.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing process - letting them caramelize slowly builds a deeper flavor foundation.
- The sugar is crucial! It helps balance the tomatoes' natural acidity, creating a more rounded taste profile.
- For an extra silky texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any tomato seeds or skin.
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference - try to use fresh leaves rather than dried for maximum flavor impact.
- If you want a richer soup, substitute half the broth with heavy cream or add a splash of good quality olive oil.
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
