| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 110 | 6g | 2g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 3g | 0.5g |
Hearty and brimming with flavor, my Holy Basil Tomato Soup is both a celebration of the Midwest’s farm-fresh bounty and a nod to my love for global flavors. See it in all its glory here. This vibrant, tantalizing dish blends the rich simplicity of Midwestern cooking with the exotic essence of Thailand’s popular herb – the Holy Basil also known as Tulsi.
The Magic of Holy Basil
What makes this soup special is its incorporation of Holy Basil or Tulsi. This potent herb, widely revered for maintaining good health among the eastern cultures, offers a dash of resilience to this wholesome tomato soup. It’s a culinary meeting of East and West that results in a fabulous treat for your taste buds.
Named for its significance in Hindu spiritual practices, Holy Basil provides numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, Holy basil plays a significant role in supporting cardiovascular health and boosting your body’s immune system. While we’re here for comfort at the end of the day, it’s nice when comfort comes with a boost of well-being.
A Touch of the Farm and a Hint of the Divine
With its perfect harmony of onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes sautéed in olive oil, this soup resonates with the farm-to-table freshness that defines our Midwestern heartland. Crucially, the addition of the broth enhances the complexity of flavors, with sour cream providing that final dollop of indulgence.
Interestingly, this recipe also recalls the essence of Spain’s iconic Gazpacho or Italy’s Pappa al Pomodoro. The rich, tomato-based broth offers a wonderful base that can complement any number of dishes. Try pairing it with a crusty, seared steak or a classic cheese sandwich for a fulfilling farm-style meal.
Involving elements of comfort, wellness and the delight of wide-ranging flavors, my Holy Basil Tomato Soup is an invitation to explore, discover and relish. More than a dish, it is an experience to savor.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons sour cream for garnish
- A few extra holy basil leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large saucepan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become soft and translucent, this could take about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any burning.
Step Two
Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Cook this mixture for about 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and have released their juices.
Step Three
Stir in the fresh holy basil leaves to the tomato mixture. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the holy basil becomes wilted and aromatic.
Step Four
Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan, followed by the sugar. Continue stirring to combine all the ingredients. Leave the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Depending on your preference, you can blend the soup with a stick blender until smooth or serve it chunky.
Step Five
Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. You can add more broth or water if the soup is too thick. Reheat the soup before serving, if necessary.
Step Six
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl and garnish with a few extra holy basil leaves. Your Holy Basil Tomato Soup is now ready to be enjoyed.
