Chilled Tomato Basil Soup

As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, the culinary world often shifts towards lighter, more refreshing fare. Chilled soups, often overlooked in favor of their hot counterparts, offer a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce while keeping cool. Among the myriad of chilled soups, the Refreshing Chilled Tomato Basil Soup stands out as a classic that embodies the essence of summer flavors. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this soup not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body.

Beat the heat this summer with a bowl of Refreshing Chilled Tomato Basil Soup. This vibrant dish showcases the best of seasonal produce with fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic basil. Perfect for casual gatherings or elegant dinners, this light and nutritious soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Easy to prepare, simply blend your ingredients, chill, and savor the delightful summer flavors in every spoonful. Enjoy a nourishing meal that keeps you cool all season long!

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Ingredients

4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (about 6-8 medium tomatoes)

1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar (to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: croutons, additional basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Toss them together to mix well.

Blend the Base: In a blender or food processor, add the prepared vegetable mixture along with the fresh basil leaves, vegetable broth, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar.

Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend for a shorter time or pulse a few times.

Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. You might want to adjust the sweetness with more sugar if your tomatoes aren’t very ripe.

Chill the Soup: Transfer the blended soup to a large bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve and Garnish: Once chilled, stir the soup and serve it in bowls. Garnish with croutons, additional basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6