Tomato and basil soup is a classic dish that is easy to make, delicious, and healthy. It is perfect for a light lunch or a starter for a dinner party. You can enjoy it hot or cold, depending on the season.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup, a recipe from her book Mary Berry Cooks Up A Feast.
What is Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup?
Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup is a creamy and flavorful soup made with fresh tomatoes, basil, cream cheese, and pesto. It is a recipe from Mary Berry, a famous British cook, author, and television presenter. This soup is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
You should try this recipe because it is:
- Delicious: This soup has a rich and satisfying taste, thanks to the combination of tomatoes, basil, cream cheese, and pesto. It is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
- Healthy: This soup is low in calories and high in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Tomatoes are good for your skin, eyes, and heart, while basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cream cheese and pesto add some protein and healthy fats to the soup.
- Easy: This soup is very easy to make, as you only need a few ingredients and a blender. You can make it in less than an hour, and you can also make it ahead of time and freeze it for later.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup
To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 g cream cheese
- 4 tbsp green pesto
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions to Make Tomato and Basil Soup Mary Berry
To make this soup, you will need to follow these steps:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Add the tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender.
- Return the soup to the saucepan and reheat gently over low heat.
- Stir in the cream cheese and pesto until well combined.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with basil leaves.
What To Serve With Tomato and Basil Soup
Tomato and basil soup is a versatile dish that can be served with various accompaniments, such as:
- Bread: Bread is a classic pairing with soup, as it adds some texture and carbs to the meal. You can use any type of bread you like, such as baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or naan. You can also toast the bread or spread some butter or cheese on it for extra flavor.
- Salad: Salad is a great way to add some freshness and crunch to the soup, as well as some extra nutrients. You can use any salad greens you like, such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, or kale. You can also add some other ingredients to the salad, such as cucumber, carrot, avocado, cheese, or nuts. Dress the salad with some olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, or use your favorite dressing.
- Cheese: Cheese is another delicious addition to the soup, as it adds some protein and calcium to the meal. You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or feta. You can either grate the cheese and sprinkle it on top of the soup, or melt it in the microwave or oven and dip the bread in it.
How to Serve Tomato and Basil Soup
Tomato and basil soup can be served in different ways, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Here are some suggestions:
- Hot: Serving the soup hot is ideal for cold days or nights, as it will warm you up and comfort you. To serve the soup hot, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it is piping hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with some basil leaves.
- Cold: Serving the soup cold is perfect for hot days or nights, as it will cool you down and refresh you. To serve the soup cold, chill it in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight until it is cold. Transfer it to a pitcher or a jug and pour it into glasses or cups. Garnish with some basil leaves.
- As a starter: Serving the soup as a starter is a great way to impress your guests or family with a simple but elegant dish. To serve the soup as a starter, portion it into small bowls or cups and serve it with some breadsticks or crackers.
- As a main course: Serving the soup as a main course is a satisfying and filling option for lunch or dinner. To serve the soup as a main course, portion it into large bowls and serve it with some bread or salad.
Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup
Here are some tips and tricks for making the best Mary Berry Tomato and Basil Soup:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes will affect the flavor of the soup, so use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best results. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available, but make sure they are chopped and not whole.
- Season well: Seasoning is important for bringing out the taste of the soup, so don’t be shy with salt and pepper. You can also add some sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic, or some lemon juice if they are too sweet.
- Blend well: Blending the soup will make it smooth and creamy, so use a high-powered blender or an immersion blender for this step. You may need to blend the soup in batches, depending on the size of your blender. Be careful not to overfill the blender or to blend hot soup without venting the lid, as this may cause spills or burns.
- Stir in the cream cheese and pesto: The cream cheese and pesto are the secret ingredients that make this soup extra delicious, so don’t skip them. Stir them in at the end of the cooking process, until they are well combined with the soup. You can use any type of cream cheese or pesto you like, but green pesto works best with this recipe.
How to Reheat Tomato and Basil Soup
If you have leftover tomato and basil soup, you can easily reheat it and enjoy it again.
Here are some methods for reheating the soup:
- On the stove: The stove is the best method for reheating the soup, as it will preserve the texture and flavor of the soup. To reheat the soup on the stove, transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot. You may need to add some water or stock if the soup is too thick.
- In the microwave: The microwave is the fastest method for reheating the soup, but it may affect the quality of the soup. To reheat the soup in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or a plate. Microwave it on high for about two minutes, stirring halfway, until it is hot. You may need to adjust the time depending on the power of your microwave and the amount of soup you have.
- In the oven: The oven is another method for reheating the soup, but it may take longer and dry out the soup. To reheat the soup in the oven, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 15 minutes, stirring once, until it is hot. You may need to add some water or stock if the soup is too dry.
Other Mary Berry Soup
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about six servings of soup.
How long does this soup take to make?
This soup takes about an hour to make, including the cooking time.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using vegan cream cheese and pesto.
What can I serve with this soup?
You can serve this soup with some bread, salad, or cheese for a complete meal.