Description
Creamy tomato basil parmesan soup offers comfort in a bowl, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty warmth. Home cooks can savor this luxurious recipe that brings restaurant-quality goodness directly to their kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 28-ounces (794 grams) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- 1 cup finely diced onions
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cups half and half, warmed
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fat and Thickening Agents:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- ½ cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables.
- Sauté chopped carrots, onions, and celery, stirring continuously until the vegetables soften and onions become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
- Introduce minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture, allowing the herbs to bloom and intensify their flavors for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and a bay leaf, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer that will develop the soup’s rich character.
- Reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer, allowing the carrots to tenderize and the flavors to meld together for approximately 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, create a smooth roux in a separate skillet by melting butter and gradually whisking in flour, cooking until the mixture turns a golden hue and develops a nutty aroma.
- Carefully incorporate 3 cups of the simmering soup into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a silky thickening agent.
- Return the roux-soup mixture to the main pot, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and adds a rich, savory depth to the soup.
- Gently stir in warmed half and half, creating a velvety texture and softening the soup’s robust flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to further develop its complex flavor profile.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a final touch of indulgence.
Notes
- Perfectly balanced soup loaded with rich, creamy textures and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Requires patience during roux-making process, ensuring smooth thickness without lumps for professional-grade consistency.
- Transform ordinary vegetables into a luxurious comfort meal by carefully sautéing and building deep, complex flavor layers.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for superior melting and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Ideal for meal prepping, this soup stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully without losing quality.
- Customize heat levels and herb intensities by adjusting seasonings according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 357
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1081 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg