Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes: The backbone of the soup, providing rich flavor and texture. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, such as fire-roasted or San Marzano varieties, for enhanced taste.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Adds depth and enhances the tomato flavor. Homemade vegetable broth can elevate the taste further, but store-bought works well in a pinch.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and complexity. Yellow or white onions are recommended, but red onions can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic notes. Feel free to add more garlic for a stronger flavor, as it pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
- 1 tsp olive oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of healthy fat. Extra virgin olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance flavors. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best results, and freshly ground black pepper for optimal flavor.
- 1 tsp dried basil or a few fresh leaves: Imparts a fragrant, herby finish. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme for a different twist.
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. The onion should become translucent and slightly golden, which helps unlock its natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for an additional minute. Stir continuously to prevent burning; this allows the garlic to release its aromatic oils without becoming bitter.
- Combine Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the broth and tomatoes mix evenly for a cohesive flavor.
- Season the Soup: Season with salt, pepper, and basil. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will help intensify the flavors.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly, creating a richer texture.
- Blend: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, ensuring to allow some steam to escape to prevent spills and burns. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. This not only adds a vibrant touch but also enhances the presentation with a pop of color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 normal portion
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g