There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? It wraps around you like a cozy blanket, especially on chilly days. This Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup is not only heartwarming but also packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that are so good for you. I love how the sweetness of the tomatoes mingles with the aromatic basil, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without even realizing it! Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll feel the warmth spreading from your toes to your heart. It’s the perfect hug in a bowl!
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Prepare Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into making this delicious Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup! First things first, grab a large pot and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add in the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Now, it’s time to add the fresh veggies! Toss in 1 cup each of diced carrots, celery, and zucchini. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil and let all those flavors mix and mingle for about 5 minutes. Wow, the aroma is already incredible!
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the veggies to soften and the flavors to deepen beautifully. After 20 minutes, take it off the heat and fold in some fresh basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor.
And there you have it! Serve up this heartwarming soup hot, and enjoy the comforting goodness that fills your bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with fresh vegetables for a healthy, nutritious meal.
- The comforting flavors of tomato and basil create a delightful harmony.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies.
- Low in calories but high in flavor, making it guilt-free!
Tips for Success
To make your Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup truly standout, don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or green beans for a personal touch. If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. For a creamier texture, blend the soup partially with an immersion blender—this adds a lovely richness! And remember, fresh herbs are key; if you have any on hand, like parsley or thyme, feel free to mix those in too. Lastly, let the soup rest for a bit before serving; it really lets the flavors shine! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional benefits of this Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbohydrates, along with 6 grams of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. If it thickens up, add a splash of vegetable broth to bring back that lovely, comforting texture. Enjoy the warmth all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the carrots, celery, or zucchini for your favorite seasonal veggies. Bell peppers, green beans, or even spinach can add a delightful twist. Just keep in mind that different veggies may require slight adjustments in cooking time, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You sure can! Making this soup ahead of time is a great idea. Just prepare it as usual, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy!
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to keep it from absorbing any other fridge smells. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients used, including the vegetable broth and fresh veggies, are free from gluten. Just double-check your broth label to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients, and you’re good to go!
For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes, check out this Healthline article. Additionally, if you’re looking for more delicious soup recipes, visit our blog for more inspiration!
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Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup: 5 Ways to Love Every Spoonful
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful tomato basil vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes.
- Add carrots, celery, and zucchini, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can be blended for a smoother texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 400 milligrams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
Keywords: Tomato Basil Vegetable Soup