Hearty Tuscan Tomato Soup
Authentic Tuscan Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil
My home-grown basil has been thriving, so I decided to make good use of it by creating this delightful Tuscan-style tomato soup. The vibrant tomato flavor paired with aromatic basil is incredibly appetizing and will warm you from the inside out. This authentic Italian soup is perfect for a cozy meal or even for entertaining guests. Give this comforting recipe a try!
Soup Base Ingredients- 1 handful garlic (minced or thinly sliced)
- Generous amount of extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups whole peeled tomatoes (about 900g, crushed)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tbsp beef stock (concentrated base, or 2 cups water)
- Assorted vegetables as desired (e.g., carrots, celery, finely chopped)
- A few fresh basil leaves (for garnish and flavor)
- Croutons (toasted bread cubes) for serving
Flavor Enhancers- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or Parmesan cheese), to taste
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (or Parmesan cheese), to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, combine the fresh basil leaves and canned whole tomatoes in a blender. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant puree. It’s helpful to lightly crush the whole tomatoes before blending.
Step 2
Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté slowly until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3
If you’re using other vegetables like carrots or celery, add them now and sauté with the garlic for 2-3 minutes to bring out their natural sweetness.
Step 4
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent. The caramelization of the onions will add a wonderful depth of flavor and sweetness to the soup.
Step 5
Pour in the dry red wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce slightly. This step concentrates the flavors beautifully.
Step 6
Stir in the beef stock. If you don’t have beef stock, you can use 2 cups of water. The stock adds a rich umami flavor to the soup.
Step 7
Add the blended tomato and basil mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 8
Finally, ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with crispy croutons. For an extra touch of richness, sprinkle generously with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade Tuscan Tomato Soup!
