Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. As the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Allow them to sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. You'll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as they cook together.
Next, add in the diced carrot and diced celery to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. The vegetables should soften but not lose their color. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.
Now, it’s time to pour in the can of whole, peeled tomatoes with their juices. Use a spoon to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. This will help create a rich base for your soup. Add the vegetable broth next, along with the sugar, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot as it heats up. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
After simmering, it's time to purée the soup. If you have an immersion blender, simply blend it right in the pot until smooth. If not, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches, securing the lid tightly. Blend until silky and smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
Give the soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to add more salt or pepper to suit your preferences. Once it’s just right, it’s ready to serve!
Before serving, ladle the hot Tomato Soup into bowls. If you like, garnish each bowl with a few fresh basil leaves. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor.
Serve your Tomato Soup hot, preferably with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that will surely remind you of home.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
