Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Start by washing and halving the ripe tomatoes. Cut the red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, peel and slice the carrots, and halve the shallots. Crush the garlic slices and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the crushed garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, red bell pepper, and halved tomatoes into the pot. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Toss in the fresh thyme sprigs and pour in your choice of liquid (vegetable stock or cream, or a mixture of both). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the thyme sprigs and blend the soup using a blender or an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend it to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves (or basil pesto) into the blended soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano if needed.
- Ladle the Luscious Carrot Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave.
- You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, letting it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
