**Savory Sensations: A Culinary Journey into Provencal Tomato and Basil Soup**
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Provence with this delectable tomato and basil soup, a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of the sun-kissed Mediterranean. This Provencal soup embodies the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a symphony of herbs and spices. As you savor each spoonful, you'll be transported to the picturesque landscapes of Provence, where the fields of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil blend seamlessly under the azure sky. This article presents a collection of carefully curated recipes that showcase the versatility of this classic soup, taking you on a culinary journey through different variations, each offering unique twists and delightful surprises. Embark on this flavor-filled adventure and discover the culinary treasures of Provence.
PROVENçAL TOMATO AND BASIL SOUP
I learned to make this soup years ago when I lived in France. If there are no fresh tomatoes at hand, use canned. The soup is delicious and silky if you thicken it with tapioca.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories weekday, appetizer
Time 1h
Yield Serves four
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about five minutes. Stir in half the garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, basil sprigs or leaves and remaining garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the water, Parmesan rind and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes. Add the tapioca or rice, and simmer for another 15 minutes until the tapioca is tender and the soup fragrant. Remove the basil sprigs and Parmesan rind. Puree in a blender in small batches, taking care to place a towel over the top of the blender and hold it down tightly. If you used fresh unpeeled tomatoes and want a silkier soup, put through a strainer, using a spatula or the back of a ladle to push the soup through. Return to the pot, add pepper to taste and adjust salt. Serve garnished with garlic croutons and/or Parmesan, if desired, and slivered basil leaves. If serving cold, refrigerate until chilled.
TOMATO BASIL SOUP
A creamy rendition of a traditional favorite. This has made me a SouperHero in my house. This meal is full-bodied enough to not need the addition of a sandwich; however, garlic bread is nice for dipping.
Provided by Sara
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat; cook and stir onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in both amounts of tomato sauce, chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Increase heat to medium and simmer until soup is reduced, 10 to 20 minutes.
- Pour soup into a blender no more than half full. Cover and hold lid down; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Add cream. Continue to puree in batches until smooth, transferring creamy soup to another pot.
- Heat soup over medium-high heat until hot, about 5 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 747.3 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
PROVENCAL TOMATO SOUP WITH RICE
Categories Soup/Stew Herb Rice Tomato Vegetable Appetizer Healthy Gourmet Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Cut a shallow X in bottom of each tomato with a sharp paring knife. Blanch tomatoes in batches of 2 or 3 in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling water 10 seconds, transferring with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking.
- Peel tomatoes, then halve crosswise. Squeeze halves gently, cut sides down, over a sieve set over a bowl to extract seeds and juices, then press on seeds and discard them. Reserve juice and tomatoes.
- Cook onions, carrot, celery, garlic, zest, thyme, red-pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and bay leaf in oil in a 2 1/2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes with reserved juice, tomato paste, water, chicken broth, salt, pepper, saffron, and 1 teaspoon sugar, then simmer, uncovered, stirring and breaking up tomatoes with a spoon occasionally, 20 minutes. Stir in rice and simmer, uncovered, until rice is tender, 10 to 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf and stir in parsley, basil, and sugar and salt to taste.
TOMATO BASIL SOUP
After just one taste of this slightly sweet tomato and herb soup, my family never went back to canned soup again! I adapted this recipe from one I seen in an old cookbook. -Chris Baker of South Lake Tahoe, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook carrots and onion in butter over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and cool slightly., In a blender, place 1/2 broth and the cooled vegetables; cover and process until blended. Return to the Dutch oven. Stir in the tomato puree, basil sugar, salt, pepper and remaining broth. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in evaporated milk; heat through (do not boil).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 201 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 1004mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
Tips:
- Choose flavorful tomatoes: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can, use heirloom tomatoes, as they tend to be more flavorful than hybrid varieties.
- Roast the tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and gives the soup a smoky depth of flavor. Be sure to roast the tomatoes until they are slightly charred and caramelized.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil is essential for this soup. Don't use dried basil, as it will not have the same flavor. If you can't find fresh basil, you can substitute another fresh herb, such as oregano or thyme.
- Don't overcook the soup: The soup should be simmered for just a few minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still retain their shape.
- Serve the soup immediately: Provençal tomato and basil soup is best served immediately, while it is still hot. You can also chill the soup and serve it cold.
Conclusion:
Provençal tomato and basil soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil, and it is also a healthy and flavorful option for a light meal. This soup is sure to please everyone at your table.
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