basil tomato soup

2020-07-04

This is a classic tomato soup variation.

Basil is a very fragrant herb that is easy to grow at home, either in the garden or indoors in a small pot. That fragrance does appear to be rather fragile, and cooking destroys it. For best results, add the basil leaves shortly before serving, or add some to each plate after serving.

If you have not used fresh basil before, go easy, with small steps.

Besides basil, it also has onions, garlic and potatoes, which makes it heavier than simply tomatoes soup. Adding potatoes changes the color to orange instead of the deep red of tomatoes-only soup.

This soup is also delicious when served chilled.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 4 quarts = 8+ servings:

4 lbs. tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 large potato, peeled, diced
10-30 fresh basil leaves
4 tbsp. olive oil
S&P
optional:
- 2 garlic cloves, diced or crushed

Pic1: basil tomato soup

Directions

2020-07-04

Pic2: basil in my backyard garden
Pic3: basil leaves
Pic4: olive oil, onions

Gather all the ingredients.
Sauté the chopped onions in olive oil. (Pic3)

Pic5: tomatoes, halved
Pic6+7: simmer tomatoes with the onions

Optional: Blanch and peel the tomatoes.
Core and halve the tomatoes. (Pic4)
Add to the onions, bring to a boil and simmer until the tomatoes are soft and begin falling apart. (Pic6+7)

Pic8: add water
Pic9: dice the potatoes
Pic10: add potatoes

Add 1 quart water. Bring to a boil again. (Pic8)
Peel and dice the potatoes. (Pic9)
Add the potatoes. (Pic10)
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer 60 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Pic11-13: finishing up

Add 8-10 basil leaves. (Pic11)
Blend the soup until very smooth. (Pic12)
Adjust the seasoning, including basil leaves if you want more.
Simmer a few more minutes. (Pic13)

Pic14: served
Pic15: strain before storing
Pic16: ready for refrigeration

Serve with a few broken / crushed basil leaves in each plate for extra-fresh fragrance. (Pic14)
Enjoy.

Optional:

Strain the soup before serving, definitely before storing to avoid the basil becoming bitter. (Pic15)
Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later use. (Pic16)

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more
and avemariasongs.org