Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsGeorge and the DragonTomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Pretzel bread the Dragon

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Soup Ingredients

Method

Soup Directions

  1. 1

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Combine Tomatoes and Broth

    Add the canned whole tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, breaking them up with a spoon. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.

  3. 3

    Add Seasonings

    Stir in the chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Blend the Soup

    Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.

  5. 5

    Finish with Cream (optional)

    If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer flavor. Heat the soup over low heat for another 5 minutes.

Pretzel Bread Directions

  1. 6

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 7

    Make Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth.

  3. 8

    First Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  4. 9

    Shape Pretzels

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope and shape into a pretzel.

  5. 10

    Boil and Bake

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add the baking soda. Boil each pretzel for about 30 seconds, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

  6. 11

    Final Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

More from George and the Dragon