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Chunky Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Chunky Tomato Basil Soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines sautéed onions and garlic, fresh basil, and whole peeled tomatoes simmered together to create a rich, comforting soup with a chunky texture. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Ingredients

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium-sized yellow onions, chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Mixture

  • 3 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, including juices and puree
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2.5 ounces fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1.5 teaspoons dried basil)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Sea salt to taste (optional, no salt added here)

Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until browned and translucent, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Prepare Tomatoes: While onions and garlic cook, open the cans of whole peeled tomatoes and dice the tomato pieces into smaller chunks for a chunkier texture.
  4. Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices and puree to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Add Stock and Basil: Pour in the vegetable stock and add the chopped basil leaves. Stir in the butter until it melts completely and incorporates into the soup.
  6. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda into the pot and stir. The soup will bubble and fizz momentarily; this reaction will subside after a few seconds of stirring.
  7. Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together.
  8. Optional Blending: For a smoother consistency, you may blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. Otherwise, leave it chunky as preferred.
  9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use a large pot to accommodate bubbling after adding baking soda.
  • Adjust salt to taste; this recipe can be made without added salt for a healthier option.
  • Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but dried basil works in a pinch.
  • Blending is optional to keep the soup chunky or smooth according to preference.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of cream before serving if desired.