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- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (fresh or canned) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme These main ingredients form the base of our soup. Ripe tomatoes give it a fresh taste. Onions and bell peppers add sweetness and depth. Garlic brings a warm flavor that everyone loves. Brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Oregano and thyme add a nice herbal touch. Salt and pepper season the soup perfectly. - 4 cups vegetable broth - ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Olive oil for drizzling The vegetable broth makes the soup rich and savory. Heavy cream adds a creamy texture, while coconut cream is a great vegan choice. Fresh basil gives a burst of flavor. A drizzle of olive oil on top makes it look fancy and tastes amazing. - Cheese or croutons for garnish - Other herbs or spices to enhance flavor You can add cheese for a rich topping. Croutons add a nice crunch. Feel free to use other herbs like parsley or spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. These optional add-ins let you customize your soup to suit your taste. Start by chopping your vegetables and herbs. Dice one medium onion and chop four cups of ripe tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. Next, mince four cloves of garlic and chop one red bell pepper. This colorful mix boosts the soup's flavor. Measure and organize your ingredients. You will need four cups of vegetable broth, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme. Gather salt, pepper, and one cup of fresh basil leaves. It helps to have everything ready before you start cooking. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and vegetable broth. Then, stir in the brown sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure even cooking. Set your slow cooker to low for six to eight hours or high for four to five hours. Cook until the vegetables become tender and the flavors blend nicely. The long cooking time helps create that rich, comforting taste. Once the soup is done cooking, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a traditional blender in batches. This step gives your soup a creamy texture. Next, stir in the fresh basil leaves and half a cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option. Allow the soup to simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes. This enhances the flavors even more. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to fit your taste. To make your soup shine, add extra herbs. Fresh thyme or parsley can add a bright touch. You can also mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. Start with small amounts, then taste as you go. Always adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. This simple step makes a big difference. Using a slow cooker is easy. Fill it with your ingredients, set the time, and walk away. Keeping the lid on during cooking helps trap heat and moisture. This makes the flavors blend well. Avoid opening the lid too often. Each time you do, it adds extra cooking time. For a cozy meal, serve your soup with crusty bread. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair great too. For a pretty finish, drizzle olive oil on top. Add a few fresh basil leaves for color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Enjoy your bowl of comfort! {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup vegan. Just swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This change adds a nice, creamy texture. You can also use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. These options keep the soup rich and tasty without dairy. Want to kick up the taste? Add some red pepper flakes for heat. This gives the soup a zesty kick. You can also squeeze in some lemon juice or lime juice. The citrus brightens the flavors and makes it more vibrant. You can choose how thick your soup is. Blend it until smooth, or leave some chunks for texture. If you like toppings, try adding grated cheese or crunchy nuts. These extras make each bowl even better. After you make the soup, let it cool. Pour the leftovers into a container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. This soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to mix everything back together. If you have extra soup, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a sturdy zip-top bag. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. You can reheat your soup in two ways: the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, pour the soup into a bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, place the soup in a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. To keep the soup creamy, add a splash of cream or coconut cream while reheating. This helps retain that rich texture we love! Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They are a great choice. Here are some benefits: - Convenience: Canned tomatoes are easy and quick to use. - Availability: You can find them all year round. - Flavor: They often taste sweet and rich. However, there are differences in flavor and texture. Fresh tomatoes taste bright and vibrant. Canned tomatoes may be softer and have a deeper flavor. Choose based on what you like. You can store this soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Here are signs of spoilage: - Smell: If it has a sour or off smell, discard it. - Appearance: Look for any mold or unusual colors. - Taste: If it tastes strange, do not eat it. Yes, you can easily customize this soup. Here are some fun suggestions: - Add-ins: Try adding spinach or carrots for more veggies. - Proteins: You can include cooked beans or chicken for added protein. - Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or more herbs for flavor. Feel free to play with the ingredients to suit your taste! This blog post covered how to make delicious soup using simple ingredients. You learned about main and additional ingredients, as well as optional add-ins for more flavor. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips for enhancing flavors, and different variations to try. Don’t forget about storage options for your leftovers, and feel free to customize the recipe! With these tips and guidelines, you can create a tasty soup that fits your taste and style. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Bliss recipe! Combining ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic spices, this creamy soup is perfect for any occasion. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work! Perfect for busy days, it's ready to warm your soul and impress your friends. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a delightful bowl of homemade goodness!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (fresh or canned)

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

In a slow cooker, combine the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper.

    Pour in the vegetable broth and add brown sugar, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

      Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

        Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.

          Stir in the fresh basil leaves and heavy cream (or coconut cream) until well incorporated.

            Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 30 minutes on low to enhance the flavors.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and extra basil leaves. Pair with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.