Garlicky Italian Tomato Soup: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish

This Garlicky Italian Tomato Soup is a delicious and hearty dish bursting with flavors from ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a medley of Italian herbs. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a starter for a grand meal, this recipe showcases the simple yet profound tastes that make Italian cuisine so beloved.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes
– 3 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
– Italian bread, sliced and toasted (optional, for serving)

Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juices), breaking them up with a spoon. Add the vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine.

3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only a portion of the soup or skip this step.

5. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust any other seasonings to your liking.

6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with toasted Italian bread on the side for a complete meal.

Enjoy this Garlicky Italian Tomato Soup as a warm and comforting dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds with its rich, robust flavors!