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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Ultimate Comfort: 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ever wonder if you can eat gourmet on a broke budget? Same. Here’s my hack to a delicious, yet affordable meal that’s bound to become a weeknight staple. Imagine coming home after a hectic day to the warm embrace of a savory, hearty soup that didn’t break the bank. Under $2/serving! No more takeout guilt for you, just pure comfort in a bowl.
What Makes This Special
- Under $2/serving!
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Zero fancy kitchen gear needed
- Leftovers are even better the next day
- Easy to meal prep or double for later
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender, then return to pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with warm, crusty bread.
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Keeping It Real
- Yes, it really is under $2/serving! Perfect for when you want to save but need flavor and love.
- Prep this soup on Sunday and forget about weekday dinners—5 days of blissful, no-stress meals!
- While the soup simmers, why not check out those side gigs? A perfect way to fill up your bank while your belly stays full!
