This James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup is a classic and comforting dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes, combined with the fragrant basil and a touch of garlic, makes this soup a delicious option for lunch or dinner. It’s a simple, healthy recipe that delivers a smooth, flavorful soup in under an hour.
What is James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup?
James Martin’s Tomato and Basil Soup is a fresh, homemade soup that combines ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and onions to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Blended to a creamy texture, this soup is both light and satisfying. It’s perfect for any time of year and can be served hot or cold.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: Fresh tomatoes and basil create a vibrant, fragrant soup.
- Simple ingredients: Use common pantry and fresh ingredients you likely already have.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins from tomatoes and antioxidants from basil.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal preparation.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later.
Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Fresh tomatoes (1kg, roughly chopped): Provides a sweet and rich base for the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a savory depth to the flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the overall flavor with a mild kick.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (750ml): Forms the liquid base of the soup.
- Fresh basil (a large handful, torn): Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Sugar (1 tsp, optional): To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.
- Double cream (optional, 100ml): For added richness and a creamy texture.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or soup pot
- Hand blender or countertop blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Add the stock: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften completely.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves into the soup and stir. Allow the basil to wilt and infuse the soup with its flavor. Add the optional cream at this stage if you prefer a richer soup.
- Season and adjust: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and sugar if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a light starter for dinner.
What Goes Well with James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the smooth, flavorful soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables for a heartier meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes will give the soup the best flavor. If tomatoes are out of season, you can use high-quality canned tomatoes as a substitute.
- Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the soup completely. If the soup is too thick, you can add more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Balance the acidity: If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
- Finish with cream: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of double cream at the end.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil is essential for the best flavor. Add it just before serving to preserve its vibrant aroma.
Easy Variations of James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Creamy tomato basil soup: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture.
- Spicy tomato soup: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Roasted tomato soup: Roast the tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and garlic before adding them to the soup for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Tomato and red pepper soup: Add roasted red peppers to the soup for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
- Vegan version: Use vegetable stock and skip the cream to keep this soup dairy-free and vegan.
Best Practices to Store James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions to make reheating easier.
Best Practices to Reheat James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make James Martin Tomato and Basil Soup Healthier?
- Use less oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the fat content.
- Skip the cream: Leave out the double cream for a lighter, healthier soup.
- Increase the veggies: Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock to reduce the salt content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes in tomato and basil soup?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. High-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, work well and can even enhance the flavor, especially when tomatoes are out of season. Use one 400g can of chopped tomatoes for every 500g of fresh tomatoes.
How can I make tomato and basil soup creamier?
To make tomato and basil soup creamier, stir in a splash of double cream, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt at the end of cooking. Blending the soup thoroughly will also give it a smoother texture.
How long can I store tomato and basil soup in the fridge?
Tomato and basil soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze tomato and basil soup?
Yes, tomato and basil soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Words
James Martin’s Tomato and Basil Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s both healthy and delicious. With its vibrant flavors and smooth texture, this soup is perfect for any occasion, whether served as a light lunch or as a starter for dinner. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal!
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James Martin’s Tomato and Basil Soup
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
James Martin’s Tomato and Basil Soup is a fresh, homemade soup that combines ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and onions to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Blended to a creamy texture, this soup is both light and satisfying. It’s perfect for any time of year and can be served hot or cold.
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes (1kg, roughly chopped): Provides a sweet and rich base for the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a savory depth to the flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the overall flavor with a mild kick.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (750ml): Forms the liquid base of the soup.
- Fresh basil (a large handful, torn): Adds a fragrant, herbal note that complements the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Sugar (1 tsp, optional): To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.
- Double cream (optional, 100ml): For added richness and a creamy texture.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Add the stock: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften completely.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves into the soup and stir. Allow the basil to wilt and infuse the soup with its flavor. Add the optional cream at this stage if you prefer a richer soup.
- Season and adjust: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and sugar if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a light starter for dinner.
