Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the tomatoes have softened and the flavours have melded together, it's time to blend the soup.
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot until smooth, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until velvety smooth.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
basil
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.