Craving that warm, comforting bowl of Applebee's tomato basil soup? Forget the restaurant wait and the potential cost! This easy recipe lets you recreate that delicious, vibrant soup right in your own kitchen. It's a perfect healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious dish, a true champion among easy recipes.
Ingredients: A Blend of Freshness
This recipe provides a generous serving of this beloved soup. Feel free to halve it if needed!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Simple Steps to Soup Perfection
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the vegetable broth, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection: Let the soup simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, or even longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and fresh basil. Heat through for a few minutes, but do not boil. The cream should simply warm up and incorporate into the soup.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Soup
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh basil elevates the flavor significantly. If you don't have fresh, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but remember that dried herbs are much more potent.
- Slow and Steady: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to develop fully. Don’t rush this step!
- Blend for Smoothness (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup after simmering.
- Garnish Generously: Before serving, garnish each bowl with a dollop of extra cream, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Variations: Spice it Up or Keep it Classic
- Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during simmering for a spicy kick.
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Roast the tomatoes before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Soup (without cream): For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream and add a tablespoon of tomato paste for richness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This Applebee's copycat tomato basil soup is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Enjoy!