Tomato Basil Soup
B does not like modern art. He’s not a fan of art museums, but he especially avoids any museum titled with the word “modern art.” He did take me to the SF MoMa when we started dating 6 years ago, but that has since stopped lol.
Now that he lives in NYC, we are surrounded by amazing art museums. I did convince him (and my visiting brother) to try the Guggenheim to see the Agnes Martin exhibit, but that sort of minimalism didn’t go very well.
B doesn’t like modern art because he always says, I could have done that.
To which I say, but you didn’t.
One piece that has always caught my eye was Andy Wahol’s Campbell Soup Cans pop art, which is conveniently located in the NYC MoMA. First exhibited in 1962, the 32 canvases, each featuring a different flavor, was grouped together like in the grocery, and rocked the art world. It reignited the age-old debate about art versus commercialism (which remains a fascinating discussion even now, as it came up during my Art History classes at Stanford).
Fun fact: the first flavor introduced by Campbell was tomato, in 1897.
Another fun fact: The art dealer Irving Blum originally told Warhol to sell each piece cheap while gaining exposure. Then he soon realized selling the cans individually would cause the collection to lose its power, so he went to all the owners and bought back all of the sold pieces. Then Blum paid Warhol $1000 for the collection, which he held on for decades, then finally sold it to the NYC MoMA for >$15 million. (source)
Tomato Basil is one of my soups, and has so many variations. This is a really easy recipe adapted from Ina Garten. Perhaps, one day I’ll paint it.
Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 yellow onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, with their juice
3 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 cups chicken stock or water
parmesan cheese, shredded, to top
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
In a pot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with olive oil until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, chicken stock, and red pepper. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. To puree, I put the soup (after letting it cool) into a food processor and blender. Serve topped with cheese and a slice of bread. Enjoy!
Yum! I had the some tomato basil soup a few weeks ago at a local restaurant. It reminded me that I had been intending to make it for a while. Yours looks rich and tasty. – Amy
Yum! This looks perfect and all real ingredients. I'd love to try when tomatoes are in season!
This is one of my favourite soups! Thank you for sharing the recipe, so simple but so good!
This sounds delicious! Tomato soup is a staple in our house over the winter, so I will have to try this!
The kids love tomato soup. I usually buy it but now I'll have to try it
Ohhh looks yummy! Will have to try making this
This looks so delicious! Great recipe – definitely have to try this.
Looks delicious. Can't wait to try!
Goodness, that soup looks absolutely amazing! *-* I haven't had tomato basil soup in the longest time–I definitely need to try this soon!!
i also tend to not appreciate art that i believe i could make myself, but then again, i have next to zero artistic ability! looks like a perfectly textured soup to me. 🙂
Tomato soup so easy, but very rarely it actually tastes as something worth to remember … your recipe sound just right though, thank you for sharing – I will try it.
It doesn't get any better than tomatoes and basil 🙂 Your photos are stunning!!!
This looks so cozy and comforting. I'm going to need a bowl of this with this storm coming to the northeast!
Mmm… can't wait to try this! Looks soooo delicious!!!!
Oh this looks so good. Perfect for a rainy day
I must agree with B – I just don't get art! So when we visit museums I just sorta lazily walk around daydreaming when it will end and where we'll eat after haha! This soup looks amazing. Just what we need today – are you guys on the path of that big snowstorm??
This looks absolutely yummy!
YummO! I can't wait to try this with a nice crusty grilled cheese sandwich! Perfect for the weather right now which switched from spring to winter overnight!
What a perfect recipe for using fresh garden tomatoes and basil. I always have these in abundance for the season.
This is the perfect recipe for the winter storm rolling through Toronto right now!
This looks so simple and delicious!
Ummm YUM! Tomato basil is easily one of my favorites! Looks great!
This soup looks incredibly good! Tomato and basil are such a perfect flavor combination. I can't wait to give this soup recipe a try.
thanks! I like making it at home now – so easy
I get my tomatoes from Costco since they come in big batches that are usually fresh, but you can't beat homegrown or farmers market tomatoes
glad you enjoy it – it's also one of my favs
I eat a ton of soups during the winter! (and year round!)
I think homemade is always better – you can control the sodium and make it exactly how you like it (thick, thin, chunky, spicy, etc)
Yum this look delish! Who doesn't like tomato basil soup.