Introduction: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
I am a huge fan of sandwiches, among other things. Now there are many types of sandwiches, but that is for another time--today we are going to turn our attention towards a subset of the sandwich kingdom. In particular, I was thinking about the genus grilledcheeseius, a member of the phylum hotsandwichiata.
In my experience, I've found that the hot sandwich or grilled cheese experience is drastically enhanced with the presence of a creamy tomato soup. And once you've had this combination of hot sandwich and creamy soup, you'll crave its deliciousness. You know what they say: once you go soup and sandwich, you never go back.
So lamedust and I set out to make our own tomato soup. We looked at some base recipes, forgot them, and added in our own ingredients. The end result: a delicious dinner that satisfied our cravings perfectly.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients
Ingredients you'll need:
1 large can of diced or crushed tomatoes (approx 18 oz)
4 tbsp butter
1 bundle of fresh basil
3 cups of milk
1 cup of flour
1-2 teaspoons of sugar
Salt to taste
Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of tomato paste (see step 4)
A smattering of pots and pans
Items to stir and taste with (known as souptensils)
A heat source (a stove is preferable to, say, a Bunsen burner)
Optional but highly recommended: materials for a hot sandwich.
Step 2: Mush Like the Iditarod
First, if your tomatoes are diced or not cut at all, you need to make them smaller. Any and all smushing techniques are viable.
Step 3: Start Your Stovetops!
In a saucepan, melt the butter with a handful of pieces of basil. Add in the milk, the flour, and the sugar. Heat and mix these ingredients until the result has a homogeneous texture.
This mixture should be a bit thick, as it is the thick and creamy part of the soup.
Step 4: Tomatoes on the Run
Empty your mashed tomatoes into a deep pot. Begin to heat.
Add in the homogeneous other mixture and continue to heat.
Optional: We left ours like this, but for a slightly richer tomato flavor you can add a few spoonfuls of tomato paste.
Start stirring.
Step 5: Stir Like It's Nobody's Business
That's right, nobody's business. Keep stirring as your soup gets warm, then hot.
When the soup is almost ready to be tasted, add in another handful of fresh pieces of basil.
Step 6: Taste Test
Carefully take a little taste of the soup to make sure that it's as delicious as it should be. Be careful--it will be extremely hot!
I am not liable for burned tongues, mouths, or anywhere you spill.
Add salt to taste.
If the soup passes your personal Quality Control, move on to the next step. If it doesn't, refer to the Universal Troubleshooting Manual.
Step 7: Optional: Sandwich Accompaniment
Soup is a dish best served warm--and accompanied by a sandwich. A simple grilled cheese (butter bread, put cheese in between, toast/grill) or other options (such as this example here) will work very well.
You could also opt for a delicious panini or a grilled sandwich of your preferred variety.
In short, the choices are endless. Pick one or more!
Step 8: Serve and Impress
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with basil and serve. Lamedust and I enjoyed our soup and grilled cheese with a showing of Mafia!.
I am not liable for any compliments you may receive or give to yourself.
11 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Couldn't find an eighteen ounce can, only fourteen and twenty eight. Gonna experiment and try and find the proper amount.
14 years ago on Introduction
How many real home grown tomatoes is 1 large can of diced or crushed tomatoes? You can grow ANYTHING where I live.
14 years ago on Introduction
Ah, Whole Foods without fresh basil, what's going on? This was still tasty. And surprisingly filling. Thanks!
14 years ago on Introduction
I must say though, even with all this pickle talk, that this was delicious with the cheese bread tomato combo. Very satisfying.
14 years ago on Introduction
Looks delicious! I admit I still prefer a lovely pickle with my grilled cheese, though. I need to go spread the good word in that grilled cheese instructable. 5/5 for the "how to cat" reference.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
yes, another grilled cheese instructable is necessary. relatedly, find pickles attach large talons to feet to prepare. also get a cage you will need this later.
14 years ago on Introduction
Looks divine! Hungry now...
14 years ago on Introduction
Very Good!
14 years ago on Introduction
Wow, that looks absolutely delicious! Wonderful pictures as well! It is amazing how much awesome pictures adds to the overall Instructable.
14 years ago on Introduction
Clever, funny and very gourmet! You have elevated the tomato, sir. Very nice presentation, and delicious looking recipe.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
thanks!