- 4 cups canned or fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
#### Steps:
1. **Preparation**
- Start by washing the summer squash and cutting it into small cubes.
- Peel the tomatoes if using canned, and chop them roughly.
2. **Sautéing Aromatics**
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. **Adding Vegetables**
- Stir in the diced summer squash and corn kernels (if using fresh).
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the squash starts to soften slightly.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. **Adding Broth**
- Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that all vegetables are well coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the squash is tender.
5. **Blending Soup**
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth or use a regular blender and return the blended soup back to the pot.
- For a creamy texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream (optional).
6. **Seasoning and Serving**
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the soup over low heat if necessary but avoid bringing it to a boil after adding the herbs.
7. **Garnishing and Presentation**
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this refreshing summer treat!
#### Tips:
- **Use Fresh Ingredients:** For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables when available.
- **Broth Choice:** Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth if you want to cut back on salt.
- **Allergy Considerations:** This recipe can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting Parmesan cheese.
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- Corn Tomato Soup
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By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and refreshing soup that’s perfect for the warmer months. Enjoy this recipe not only for its taste but also as an opportunity to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet!