This easy tomato basil soup is made in only 20 minutes with just 8 basic ingredients. I use soy milk to make it silky-smooth, and maple syrup gives it a subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. Whether served with a comforting grilled cheese sandwich or a healthy leafy green salad, this soup makes the perfect pairing. It's perfect for busy weekday lunches and dinners.
Heat oil in a medium size pot on medium heat. Add onions and sauté them till translucent and fragrant. Then stir in then garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add all the chopped tomatoes and mix together with the onions. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low-medium heat for 5 minutes.
Once the tomatoes have cooked down, then remove from heat. Let the cooked tomatoes cool down for 10-15 minutes before transferring everything over to a blender. Blend in a high speed blender till everything is smoothly puréed.
Transfer the tomato purée back into the pot, then add the soy milk, maple syrup, and salt. Cook on to a low simmer, and then remove from heat.
Garnish with loads of shredded basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and crushed black pepper before serving.
NOTES
Season Gradually: Taste and add salt gradually throughout cooking (this helps prevent an overly salty soup).
High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender will help you achieve the silkiest consistency. If you don’t have one, you may need to blend it for a few more minutes.
Simmering Time: Let the soup simmer long enough for the flavors to meld but not so long that it loses freshness (5-10 minutes is enough!).
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Just a pinch can transform the flavor profile.