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Why is my tomato basil soup bitter?

Tomato Basil Soup

A comforting classic tomato basil soup that explores ways to avoid and fix bitterness for a perfectly balanced dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for sweetness.
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock Replace water with stock for added flavor.
  • 1 small onion, diced Sauté until soft.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add later in cooking to prevent bitterness.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves Add in last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Use for sautéing vegetables.
  • ½ tsp sugar To balance acidity; adjust to taste.
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk For added creaminess and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté onions until soft.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt. Cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Finishing Touches
  1. Add sugar to balance the flavors.
  2. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
  3. Return to heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Notes

Taste as you go, and adjust seasoning as necessary. For a deeper flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes or roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the soup.