Cold tomato soup with basil

Finely chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, hot pepper, and basil. Place them in a bowl and mix for a few seconds with a mixer. Add the diced tomatoes along with their juice to the mixture obtained. This combination of fresh vegetables will give a vibrant and aromatic flavor to our dish.

Once we have a uniform paste, transfer the mixture to a large pot over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to achieve a more fluid consistency and intensify the flavors. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is the perfect time to add your favorite spices: salt, pepper, and also a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

During the simmering, the aroma will intensify, and the vegetables will release their juices, creating a delicious base for our main dish. After 10 minutes, you can also add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for an extra acidity. These will bring a perfect balance between sweet and sour, and the dish will have a remarkable depth.

After the mixture has simmered, it is recommended to let it cool slightly, then you can use an immersion blender to achieve a finer consistency if you desire a smooth texture. At this stage, you can decide if you want to add other ingredients, such as olives or capers, to give it a Mediterranean touch.

Besides this savory sauce, we can also prepare a side dish. For example, rice or whole grain pasta will perfectly complement this dish. Cook them according to the instructions on the package, and at the end, mix them with the obtained sauce, adding a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor.

In any case, our dish will become a true feast of flavors, bringing to the table a mix of textures and aromas that will delight any food lover. Enjoy your meal!