Hearty Tomato Basil Soup (Printable Version)

A soul-warming blend of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil that's both savory and refreshing, ready in minutes with minimal prep.

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or canned)
05 - 2 cups vegetable broth
06 - 1 teaspoon sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
11 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
02 - Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
03 - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot.
04 - Stir in the chopped basil and balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
05 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

# Additional Notes:

01 - This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
02 - For a smoother texture, ensure tomatoes are fully softened before blending.