Indulge in a bowl of warmth and comfort on a rainy afternoon with this Tomato Basil soup recipe. This recipe perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the freshness of basil leaves, and the aromatic presence of herbs and spices. Ideal for those gloomy, rainy days when you want something hot and flavorful to warm you up.
Photos of Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a typical home kitchen. However, be mindful to pick ripe, fresh tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. It's better to use dried oregano and thyme for a more concentrated flavor. If you don't have tomato paste at hand, it's available in the canned food aisle in the supermarket.
Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients
Tomato: The main ingredient of this soup, it gives the soup body and a tangy-sweet flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds a mild sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the soup.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor that ties the other ingredients together.
Garlic: A fundamental ingredient that adds a distinct aroma and flavor.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the vegetables and adds a smooth, rich flavor to the soup.
Kosher salt: Enhances the other flavors in the soup.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to balance out the sweet and tangy flavors.
Dried oregano: Gives an earthy, minty flavor that complements the tomatoes wonderfully.
Dried thyme: Introduces a subtle, dry aroma and slightly minty flavor.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth to the soup.
Vegetable stock: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding depth and flavor.
Basil leaves: Offers a sweet, peppery flavor and a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
One reader, Hermia Richman says:
This tomato basil soup recipe is a game-changer! The roasted vegetables add a depth of flavor that's perfect for a cozy, rainy day. The aroma alone is comforting, and the taste is even better. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, hearty soup.
Key Techniques for Making Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup
How to roast the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Trim the stems and cores from the tomatoes, then roughly chop. Remove the seeds and ribs from the bell pepper and slice. Peel and quarter the onion. Smash and peel the garlic cloves. Add everything to a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are browned on the edges and fragrant.
How to puree the soup: Using an immersion blender or a standing blender, puree the soup until creamy.
How to garnish with basil: Stack and roll the basil leaves, then thinly slice. Add some to the soup and stir to incorporate. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with more basil.
How To Make Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup
It’s such a great feeling when you know you have a comfortingly warming bowl of creamy and thick tomato basil soup during those rainy afternoons
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbstomato
- 1redbell pepper
- 1medium yellow onion
- 6clovesgarlic
- ½cupolive oil
- kosher salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- 1tspdried oregano
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1tsptomato paste
- 2cupsvegetable stock
- ½cupbasil leaves,fresh
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Trim the stems and cores from the tomatoes, then roughly chop.
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Remove the seeds and ribs from the bell pepper and slice.
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Peel and quarter the onion. Smash and peel the garlic cloves.
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Add everything to a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Roast for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are browned on the edges and fragrant.
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Transfer the roasted vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the oregano, thyme, tomato paste, and vegetable stock.
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Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
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Using an immersion blender or a standing blender, puree the soup until creamy.
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Stack and roll the basil leaves, then thinly slice. Add some to the soup and stir to incorporate.
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Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with more basil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 156.98kcal
- Fat: 13.87g
- Saturated Fat: 1.93g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.55g
- Carbohydrates: 8.17g
- Fiber: 2.29g
- Sugar: 4.34g
- Protein: 1.62g
- Sodium: 506.04mg
- Calcium: 32.40mg
- Potassium: 354.84mg
- Iron: 0.86mg
- Vitamin A: 77.95µg
- Vitamin C: 36.89mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Tomato Basil Soup
When roasting the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic for the soup, ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which may affect the depth of flavor in your soup. Also, don't be afraid to let the vegetables get a little charred. Those caramelized bits add a wonderful smoky flavor to the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tomato Basil Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones to skip the step of chopping and roasting them.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking, use the time to prepare other dishes or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Invest in a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables instead of doing it by hand.
Buy pre-made vegetable stock: Save time by using store-bought vegetable stock instead of making it from scratch.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker to reduce cooking time and cleanup.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure all the ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Frozen basil: Use frozen basil instead of fresh to save time on washing, drying, and chopping fresh basil leaves.
Substitute Ingredients For Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
tomato - Substitute with canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh tomatoes, especially when they are not in season. They also provide a richer and more concentrated flavor to the soup.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the soup.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, offering a similar pungent flavor and texture to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient option and a milder flavor to the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a neutral flavor and a lighter texture to the soup.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness and enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and less pungent flavor to the soup.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the soup.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, offering a slightly more pungent and pine-like flavor to the soup.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a sweet and tangy flavor along with the concentrated tomato base to the soup.
vegetable stock - Substitute with chicken stock: Chicken stock can be used as a substitute for vegetable stock, adding a rich and savory flavor to the soup.
basil leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, offering a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Tomato Basil Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the soup, consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The contrast of the red soup against the white bowl will create a visually stunning presentation.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle a few drops of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the surface of the soup in a circular motion. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Incorporate herb-infused oil: Create a drizzle of basil-infused oil by blending fresh basil leaves with olive oil and straining the mixture. Use a small squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the herb-infused oil over the soup in an artistic pattern.
Artistic basil chiffonade: Instead of simply scattering basil leaves, finely chiffonade the basil into thin, delicate strips. Sprinkle the basil chiffonade over the soup in a graceful, organic pattern to add a pop of color and a fresh aroma.
Consider the placement of the bowl: Place the bowl of soup on a white linen napkin to create a clean and sophisticated presentation. This simple touch will draw attention to the vibrant colors of the soup and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tomato Basil Soup
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's perfect for quickly and efficiently processing the roasted vegetables for the soup.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting. It provides a surface for roasting the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the oven.
- Immersion blender: An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is a handheld kitchen tool used for blending and pureeing ingredients directly in the pot or container. It's ideal for creating a creamy texture in the soup without transferring it to a traditional blender.
- Standing blender: A standing blender, commonly known as a countertop blender, is a powerful appliance used for blending, pureeing, and emulsifying ingredients. It's suitable for pureeing the roasted vegetables and creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Tomato Basil Soup
Let the tomato basil soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn or spoilage.
Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. If using a container, leave about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the name of the soup and the date it was made. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been in the freezer.
If using a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. You can do this by partially sealing the bag, then pressing out the air before fully sealing.
Place the container or bag in the freezer, making sure it's lying flat. This will help the soup freeze evenly and take up less space in your freezer.
The tomato basil soup will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
If you plan to consume the soup within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
How to Reheat Leftover Tomato Basil Soup
Stovetop method: pour the leftover tomato basil soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Microwave method: transfer the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the soup is heated through. The microwave is a quick and convenient option, but be careful not to overheat the soup, as it can cause the flavors to deteriorate.
Slow cooker method: if you have a larger quantity of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Pour the soup into the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method is ideal for keeping the soup warm for an extended period, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the leftover soup into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup before serving. This method is suitable for reheating larger quantities of soup and can help maintain its original texture.
Garnish and serve: regardless of the reheating method you choose, always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a fresh sprinkle of basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors and presentation. Serve the reheated soup with crusty bread, croutons, or a side salad for a satisfying meal.
Interesting Trivia About Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Budget-Friendly: Making Tomato Basil Soup at Home
This rainy afternoon tomato basil soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of vegetable stock and olive oil enhances the flavors without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $10, this recipe serves 4, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delightful flavors.
Is This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Healthy?
This tomato basil soup recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of nutritious ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can provide numerous health benefits. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish, while the vegetable stock keeps the soup low in calories and fat compared to cream-based alternatives. However, the recipe does call for a significant amount of olive oil, which could increase the calorie content of the soup.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the calorie content. You can start by cutting the amount in half and adjusting as needed for taste and texture.
- Add more vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of nutrients.
- Use low-sodium vegetable stock to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
- Include a source of lean protein, such as cannellini beans or shredded chicken, to make the soup more filling and satisfying.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary or smoked paprika, to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile without relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Stands Out
This rainy afternoon tomato basil soup recipe is a delightful combination of roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich and comforting soup. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a velvety texture and a depth of taste. The addition of fresh basil at the end adds a burst of freshness to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a perfect choice for a cozy, rainy day, and it's sure to warm both the body and soul with its delicious flavors.
Enhance Your Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tomato Basil Soup
Why trust this Rainy Afternoon Tomato Basil Soup Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with fresh, locally sourced tomatoes and basil. The roasted vegetables and aromatic herbs create a rich, comforting flavor. The use of olive oil enhances the depth of the soup, while the slow cooking process ensures a harmonious blend of flavors. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to deliver a soul-warming bowl of tomato basil soup that will elevate your rainy afternoon.
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