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As temperatures rise and the sun graces us with longer days, the culinary world often shifts its focus to lighter, more refreshing dishes. One trend that has gained remarkable popularity is the chilled soup, which offers a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer while keeping cool. Among the myriad of chilled soup options, the Chilled Tomato Basil Soup stands out as a quintessential choice, seamlessly combining taste, nutrition, and invigorating freshness.

Chilled Tomato Basil Soup

Experience the ultimate summer refreshment with chilled tomato basil soup! This vibrant dish combines ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil for a light yet satisfying meal. Bursting with health benefits, including vitamins and antioxidants, it’s perfect for hot days. Follow simple steps to blend fresh ingredients and let them chill for maximum flavor. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a delightful dining experience this season!

Ingredients
  

4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (approximately 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, tightly packed

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and dicing the ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine these diced vegetables with the minced garlic. Gently toss to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

    Blend the Base: Transfer the vegetable mixture into a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil leaves, vegetable broth, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. This blend of ingredients will create a rich flavor profile for your soup.

      Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until it turns smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend for a shorter time or pulse a couple of times to maintain some texture.

        Season to Taste: After blending, taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. If your tomatoes lack sweetness, consider adding a little more sugar for balance.

          Chill the Soup: Carefully pour the blended soup into a large bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and enhances the refreshing quality of the soup.

            Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, give the soup a good stir. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with crunchy croutons, a few extra fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil to elevate the presentation and flavor.

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