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Creamy Cozy Tomato Basil Soup

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A smooth, velvety tomato basil soup blending cottage cheese and cream for a comforting, easy-to-make homemade meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (28 oz / 800 g each) whole peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) small curd cottage cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half and half (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Pour in 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes with their juice and 2 cups broth. Break up tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes.
  7. Add chopped fresh basil leaves, stir, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
  8. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender until silky smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches carefully.
  9. Return pot to low heat. Stir in cottage cheese and heavy cream. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until warmed through and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
  10. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen.
  11. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

For dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese and cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. When blending hot soup, blend in small batches and hold lid down firmly to avoid splatters. Use small-curd cottage cheese for smoothest texture. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if soup tastes flat. Simmer gently to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, homemade soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cozy soup, cottage cheese soup, basil soup

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