A delightful twist on the classic tomato soup, enhanced with fresh basil and a touch of cream for a rich and comforting flavor.
Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
Using extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the soup.
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
Chopping the vegetables evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
Add the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
Using ripe tomatoes will give the soup a naturally sweet flavor.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Blend the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
Blending in batches prevents overfilling the blender and ensures safety.
Stir in the cream and fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper.
Adding the basil at the end preserves its fresh flavor.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of basil.
Serving with crusty bread enhances the meal experience.