Description
Warm comfort nestles in this tomato basil parmesan soup, blending classic Italian flavors with creamy richness. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a soul-satisfying meal that welcomes special guests to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes and Cheese:
- 2 cans (14.5 oz/400 g each) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft a flavor foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Gently transform chopped onions into a translucent, tender state, stirring occasionally for approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for one minute.
- Create a thickening agent by delicately dusting flour over the softened onion mixture. Thoroughly incorporate the flour, coating each vegetable piece while continuously stirring to prevent clumping. Allow the mixture to develop a light golden complexion.
- Integrate tomato components by pouring diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the pot. Orchestrate a gentle simmer, permitting ingredients to harmonize and develop depth for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender directly in the pot, pulverizing ingredients into a smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer contents to a standard blender, processing in measured batches until achieving a uniform, velvety composition.
- Elevate the soup’s richness by reducing heat and incorporating heavy cream. Gradually fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly. Introduce chopped basil, stirring gently to distribute vibrant herbal notes throughout the liquid.
- Refine the flavor profile by tasting and adjusting seasoning. Modulate with salt, pepper, and a hint of sugar if necessary. Ladle into serving vessels, garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and delicate basil leaves for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Customize the fat by using olive oil for a lighter version or butter for richer flavor, depending on dietary preferences and taste.
- Ensure aromatics are finely chopped to create a smooth base and maximize flavor infusion during initial sautéing.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting flour quantity – less flour creates a thinner consistency, while more provides a heartier texture.
- Enhance vegetarian options by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth or mushroom stock for deeper umami profile.
- Reduce dairy content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast for lactose-free alternatives.
- Boost nutrition by adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and vitamins.
- Prevent cream separation by keeping heat low and stirring consistently when adding dairy components.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg