Imagine a soup so vibrant, so bursting with fresh flavor, that it transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. This "Very Fresh Tomato Soup Marlene" isn't just another recipe – it's a symphony of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and pure comfort that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched gardens of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe promises to elevate your soup game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh ingredients. Chop ripe tomatoes into medium-sized chunks, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir, allowing them to begin releasing their natural juices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add sugar, salt, and pepper. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and tomatoes to break down.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves and optional drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most vibrant tomatoes you can find – they're the heart of this recipe's incredible flavor.
- Don't rush the sautéing process: letting onions and garlic develop a gentle golden color builds deep, rich flavor foundations.
- The secret weapon is the sugar – it brilliantly balances the tomatoes' natural acidity, creating a perfectly rounded taste.
- For an extra silky texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending for restaurant-quality smoothness.
- Fresh basil isn't just a garnish – it's a flavor booster that adds a bright, aromatic finish to your soup.
- If you want a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
