A delightful twist on the classic tomato soup, enhanced with fresh basil and a hint of garlic.
Chop the tomatoes, onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces.
Uniformly chopping the vegetables ensures even cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Using medium heat prevents the oil from burning.
Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the saucepan and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Blend the soup until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
For a smoother texture, strain the soup after blending.
Return the blended soup to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Heat gently until warmed through.
Avoid boiling after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the presentation and flavor.