Zuppa di Pomodoro
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, immersion blender (or regular blender), knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans 14 oz each diced tomatoes (or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for non-vegetarian
- 1 teaspoon sugar to balance acidity
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
- Crusty bread or croutons for serving optional
- Variations
- Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for some heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Ensure the broth is vegetable-based and skip cream for a vegan option.
- Herbed Version: Add thyme or oregano for additional herbal notes.
- Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Use canned whole tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier soup; just break them up as they cook.
- Broth: Any broth can be used; for a heartier flavor beef broth can be substituted.
- Oil: Substitute olive oil with butter or any neutral oil if desired.
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. If using fresh tomatoes, add them now.
- Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Step 3: Incorporate the Broth
- Add the vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4: Blend the Soup
- After the soup has simmered, remove it from heat.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in batches and return it to the pot.
- Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
- Step 6: Let it Stand
- Allow the soup to stand for about 10 minutes to cool slightly and for the flavors to deepen.
- Step 7: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve with crusty bread or croutons on the side.