Spring may be in full swing but where I live in West Michigan the chilly temps are bound to linger for a few more weeks. Whether or not your home is located in a warm climate, this soup is full of yummy, healthy comfort that is sure to warm both your heart and your home.

*BONUS* This recipe is vegan! It can be made “heartier” by adding a touch of heavy cream or half & half

**Make sure to scroll down to see the recipe for Simple Garlic Toast

Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 2 small yellow onions, diced 
• 2 TBSP EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) 
• 4+ cloves of garlic, minced (I like a strong garlic taste & typically use 8 cloves)
• 3 cans of whole, peeled tomatoes
• ½ cup vegetable stock (or chicken stock; can sub heavy cream or half & half) 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 TBSP dried basil or a fat handful of fresh, torn basil
• Salt and pepper 

OPTIONAL sprinkle of dried oregano and/or dried thyme, parmesan cheese rind (used during simmering time)

Let’s do this! 

1.) Dice the yellow onion and peel the garlic cloves. Add a couple of swirls of EVOO in a large pot and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the onions are becoming golden in color, stirring occasionally. Once the onions are softened and golden, grate or press in the garlic cloves and season with salt and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute to combine.

2.) Add the tomatoes, stock, and bay leaf (if using dairy, don’t add it until the soup is pureed). Bring the pot up to a boil then reduce down to a simmer, add the optional cheese rind if desired, and cover. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft enough to break apart/smush. 

3.) If using the cheese rind, it should have dissolved into your soup. If it didn’t, remove it. Otherwise, use an immersion blender and blend the soup into a puree. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle the tomato mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until the entire mixture is liquified. Return the pureed soup to the pot. 

4.) Stir in the basil along with the optional herbs, if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using dairy, add it to the soup and stir it in to combine. 

5.) Divide the soup into bowls. If you wish, top with grated parmesan. 

Enjoy!

Recipe: Simple Garlic Toast

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 large baguette
• 2-4 cloves of garlic
• EVOO for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt or kosher salt

Let’s do this! 

1.) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.) Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Peel the garlic cloves. 

3.) Place the halved baguette in the oven, cut side up, and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. (You can also place the bread under the broiler for quicker toasting)

4.) Once the bread is toasted, immediately remove it from the oven and carefully rub a garlic clove all over the baguette halves, using as many cloves as necessary to coat the entire baguette with rubbed garlic. 

5.) Lightly drizzle EVOO over each half. Sprinkle with sea salt. Slice or tear into Individual servings.

Enjoy!