Using fresh vegetables and herbs from your garden is a delicious and wonderful way to add variety to your daily menu. Fresh veggies and herbs are loaded with health benefits. The key is finding delectable ways to prepare them to ensure you won’t waste any of your hard work in the garden. If you enjoy growing tomatoes and basil, I have a terrific garden fresh recipe for tomato basil soup.
Health benefits of Tomatoes and Basil
This tomato basic soup is more than just delicious, it’s also packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients. Try this garden fresh recipe and reap the benefits of the healthy ingredients. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene. Lycopene is known to have both cancer-fighting and antioxidant properties. It has also been credited with reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and a variety of phytonutrients.
Basil also has many great health benefits. It is known to have antibacterial properties, which can be found in the oil of the basil leaves. It’s also proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits. Basil is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Ingredients
2 lbs garden fresh tomatoes (about 5 cups chopped)
1-2 Stalks of Garden fresh Basil (chopped)
1 Small Sprig of Garden Fresh Thyme (leaves removed from stalk)
1 Small Vidalia onion (chopped)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1-2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
2 tsp brown sugar (optional)
1 ½ Vegetable Stock
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Dash Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Directions
*Heat Olive Oil Over medium and sauté Onion for about 3 minutes
*Add Tomatoes, herbs and remaining ingredients to pan and simmer for 15-20 minutes
*Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes
*Pour about ½ of the mixture into a food processor and pulse until smooth or slightly chunky (depending on your preference)
*Transfer blended soup to large stock pot
*Pour remaining mixture from sauté pan into food processor or blender and pulse again (to desired consistency)
*Transfer blended soup to large stock pot and warm over medium-low heat
*Ladle soup into bowls and top with shaved parmesan cheese and fresh sliced basil
*Serve with crusty bread for dipping (optional)
*Enjoy!
This is a simple, healthy recipe. If you eliminate the shaved parmesan cheese, it is a great vegan option. The soup recipe is also gluten-free! So, go ahead and enjoy a big bowl.
