Here are some recipes for inexpensive first courses that are sure to impress your guests:
1. Tomato and Basil Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 cans of diced tomatoes
– 1/2 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 cups of vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1/4 cup of chopped basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent.
2. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth.
5. Add the heavy cream and chopped basil. Stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with a crusty bread.
2. Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced
– 1 package of mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup of chopped basil
– 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. On a platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices.
2. Sprinkle chopped basil over the top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve at room temperature.
3. Roasted Carrot Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups of vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Toss the chopped carrots, onion, and garlic with olive oil and spread them onto a baking sheet.
3. Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, until they are tender and golden brown.
4. In a blender, puree the roasted vegetables with the vegetable broth until smooth.
5. Pour the puree into a pot and add the heavy cream and cumin. Stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.
4. Bruschetta
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup of chopped basil
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake the bread for 5-7 minutes, until lightly toasted.
4. In a bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spoon the tomato mixture over the toasted bread.
7. Serve immediately.
In conclusion, creating an impressive first course for your guests doesn’t have to be expensive. By using simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can prepare a range of delicious and affordable recipes that will leave your guests eager for the main course. Try these recipes for inexpensive first courses and impress your guests without breaking the bank.