Quick and Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Few dishes rival the comfort and satisfaction that a bowl of this Quick and Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup offers, especially on a chilly day. However, for those of us who need to monitor our sodium intake, many store-bought versions can be loaded with salt. Which makes this beloved comfort food a tricky choice. The good news is that you can still savor the rich flavors of tomato basil soup while adhering to a low-sodium diet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a Quick and Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe that’s not only delicious but also heart-healthy.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
One of the best things about visiting a local farmers market is the opportunity to score some of the freshest tomatoes you can find. These juicy gems are not only bursting with flavor but also packed with essential nutrients and dietary fiber. With these wholesome ingredients in hand, you can whip up a great recipe that will delight your taste buds and boost your health. Whether you’re strolling through the market on a sunny weekend morning or picking up your produce at the grocery store, those vibrant tomatoes are sure to inspire culinary creativity. So, next time you’re at the farmers market, don’t forget to grab a bunch of those tomatoes and get ready to savor the goodness in your kitchen.
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Why Opt for Low Sodium?
Before we dive into this easy recipe, it’s essential to understand why a low-sodium diet matters. High sodium intake has been linked to various health issues, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Reducing sodium can help maintain healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular well-being. Cooking your meals from scratch allows you to control your sodium intake, and our roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a perfect example of how you can strike a balance between flavor and heart health.
Ingredients for Low Sodium Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
To whip up this delicious, low-sodium homemade soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 6-8 ripe fresh tomatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or 2 tablespoons of fresh basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) of low-sodium diced roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- Additional Toppings: Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Roast the Tomatoes:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season them with black pepper. Roast them for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and exhibit a delightful char.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they turn translucent and emit their wonderful aroma. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Infuse with Basil:
- Introduce the dried basil (or fresh basil if available) to the pot and stir for an additional minute. This step allows the basil’s fragrance to meld with the other ingredients.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Now, add the roasted tomatoes (along with any juices from the baking sheet) to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and add the can of low-sodium diced tomatoes. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to harmonize and develop into something truly special.
- Blend to Smoothness:
- Remove the pot from the heat, and using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you desire an even creamier texture, consider adding 1/4 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt at this stage.
- Final Simmer:
- Return the pot to low heat and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir in the fresh sweet basil leaves just before serving for that burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Give your soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Keep in mind that the objective here is to maintain low sodium levels, so use kosher salt sparingly or explore alternative herbs and spices for seasoning.
Serving Suggestions:
Elevate your dinner tonight with a bowl of Quick and Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup topped with a parmesan cheese served alongside some irresistible baguette slices. To make this meal even more memorable, consider drizzling a rich and tangy balsamic reduction over the baguette slices. This sweet and savory addition adds a burst of complex flavors that beautifully complements the bright and herbaceous notes of the soup. The balsamic reduction, made from balsamic vinegar simmered down to a thick, syrupy consistency, offers a delightful contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. Dip the baguette slices into the reduction, or even spread it over the bread for a gourmet touch that will transform a simple bowl of soup into a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your home.
Conclusion:
Quick and Easy Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup offers all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic favorite while enabling you to manage your sodium intake. By opting for low-sodium ingredients and minimizing added salt, you can create a delicious soup that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also prioritizes heart health.
This recipe demonstrates that you don’t have to compromise flavor to adhere to a low-sodium diet. It’s a flavorful, heart-conscious alternative that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to savor. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for the warmth and goodness of tomato basil soup, turn to this low-sodium recipe. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you for it!
Storage:
This is the perfect recipe to make a big batch of for future meals. To make sure your creamy tomato basil soup has the best flavor the next day make sure to store in an airtight container.
It’s All About Balance,
Tomato Basil Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-8 ripe fresh tomatoes halved
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons of fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups ow-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth or chicken broth
- 14 oz low-sodium diced roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt optional, for creaminess
- Parmesan cheese Additional Toppings
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season them with black pepper.
- Roast them for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and exhibit a delightful char.
- In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they turn translucent and emit their wonderful aroma. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Introduce the dried basil (or fresh basil if available) to the pot and stir for an additional minute. This step allows the basil’s fragrance to meld with the other ingredients.
- Now, add the roasted tomatoes (along with any juices from the baking sheet) to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and add the can of low-sodium diced tomatoes. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to harmonize and develop into something truly special.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you desire an even creamier texture, consider adding 1/4 cup of non-fat.
- Return the pot to low heat and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir in the fresh sweet basil leaves just before serving for that burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Give your soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Keep in mind that the objective here is to maintain low sodium levels, so use kosher salt sparingly or explore alternative herbs and spices for seasoning.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese if desire.
Nutrition
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