Velvety and Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup

[Picture of a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup with a swirl of cream and a sprig of basil on the top.]

Ah, nothing beats a bowl of comforting, warm, homemade tomato soup, especially on cold, rainy days or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. This recipe for a creamy and velvety tomato soup is straightforward to make and uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for a delightful lunch, dinner or even as a warming snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes (a mix of fresh heirlooms, cherry, vine, and plum tomatoes works great)
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 small yellow onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, optional
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Wash and cut the tomatoes into halves. Spread the tomatoes, garlic cloves, and onions onto a baking tray. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until caramelized.

2. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion into a large heavy-bottomed pot, then add the chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by one-third, about 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Carefully remove the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also use a regular blender, working in batches and taking care to avoid hot splashes.

4. Return the soup to low heat, add the basil leaves and heavy cream. Season to taste with extra salt and pepper. You can strain the soup through a sieve if you prefer a smoother texture.

5. Ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, garnish with a drizzle of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.

This creamy homemade tomato soup recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and will warm everyone’s hearts and bellies. There’s nothing more revitalizing than sipping on a bowl of this delightful soup while snuggling under a blanket. Bon appétit!

Remember, you can always tweak this recipe according to your preferences. Add spices like a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re looking for a kick, replace the cream with coconut milk for a vegan alternative, or throw in other veggies like bell peppers for a twist. Enjoy this soup — it is comfort food at its very best.