Creamy Tomato-Balsamic Soup

Creamy Tomato-Balsamic Soup is a delicious and comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of tomatoes with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar. This soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup over low heat until it's heated through. Be careful not to let it boil once the cream is added.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
7. Serve the creamy tomato-balsamic soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Enjoy your delicious homemade creamy tomato-balsamic soup!