This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. The deep, rich flavor from roasting the tomatoes sets this soup apart, making it a delightful pairing with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or entertaining guests, this soup is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and inviting aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as a starter or main dish; it pairs wonderfully with various sides like sandwiches or salads.
- Comforting Texture: The addition of cream gives the soup a luxurious, creamy finish that feels indulgent yet homey.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh basil and garlic, this soup brings vibrant flavors that are both healthy and delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process for your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right tools can make all the difference!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Immersion blender (or traditional blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering your soup evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting tomatoes evenly without overcrowding, enhancing their flavor.
- Immersion blender: Makes pureeing easy and mess-free, giving you a smooth texture quickly.
Ingredients
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup features fresh ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor.
Fresh Vegetables
- 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)
Canned Goods
- 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
Fats
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Sweetener & Stock
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups chicken stock
Creaminess Factor
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for roasting.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting
- Spread the sliced Roma tomato halves on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Step 3: Roast Tomatoes
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until they are soft and caramelized.
- Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Stock and Roasted Tomatoes
- Pour in chicken stock along with your roasted tomatoes.
- Allow it to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Purée the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If using a traditional blender, carefully transfer in batches.
Step 8: Finish with Cream
- Stir in heavy cream until well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)
- Cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss with some oil, diced garlic, and basil. Bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.
Step 10: Serve
Add croutons on top of each bowl before serving. Enjoy your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup warm!
This comforting bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is sure to warm your heart!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or at a gathering with friends, these suggestions will elevate your soup experience.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Pairing this soup with classic grilled cheese sandwiches creates the perfect comfort food combination. The gooey cheese complements the rich flavors of the soup.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick and extra depth to the soup’s flavor. It melts beautifully into the warm soup.
With Fresh Basil Garnish
- Adding a few fresh basil leaves as a garnish not only enhances the presentation but also intensifies the basil flavor in each bite.
Served with Crusty Bread
- Serve the soup alongside crusty bread for dipping. This adds texture and makes each spoonful even more satisfying.
Accompanied by a Salad
- A light salad dressed with vinaigrette complements the richness of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Opt for mixed greens or a Caprese salad for an Italian twist.
How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, consider these tips.
Use ripe tomatoes: Select high-quality, ripe Roma tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor. The fresher the tomatoes, the better your soup will taste.
Don’t rush roasting: Allowing the tomatoes to roast until caramelized deepens their flavors significantly. Resist the urge to cut down on roasting time.
Blend thoroughly: For a creamy consistency, ensure you blend the soup well. An immersion blender works best, but transferring to a blender is fine if done carefully.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Each batch may require different seasoning based on tomato ripeness.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its comforting nature. Here are some excellent options to consider.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic combo, grilled cheese adds crunch and creaminess that perfectly balances the soup’s smoothness.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides great texture and flavor contrast, making it an ideal accompaniment for dipping into your soup.
Caprese Salad: This light salad featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brings a fresh element that harmonizes beautifully with roasted flavors.
Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess from its dressing, complementing the rich tomato basil flavors excellently.
Mini Quiches: These bite-sized treats can be filled with vegetables or cheese and make for an elegant side that pairs well with soup.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offers guests variety and sophisticated bites alongside their warm bowl of soup.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Packed with grains or proteins, these peppers provide heartiness that matches well with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup’s comforting essence.
Vegetable Sticks and Hummus: For a healthier option, serve raw veggie sticks with hummus for dipping; this adds crunch without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting dish, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this; it’s key for a rich taste.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes matters. Opt for fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best results.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! You may need more salt or pepper than the recipe suggests, depending on your ingredients.
- Not blending thoroughly: A smooth soup texture is essential. Blend until completely puréed for the best consistency.
- Overcooking the cream: Add cream at the end and avoid boiling it. This keeps the soup creamy and prevents curdling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Simmer over low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that may help enhance your cooking experience.
How do I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?
You can substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, using canned San Marzano tomatoes is a great option if fresh ones aren’t available. They add great flavor too!
What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing! You can also serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How long does Roasted Tomato Basil Soup last in the fridge?
The soup lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in freezer-safe containers.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. Its rich flavors pair beautifully with many dishes, making it perfect for any meal. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or different herbs to suit your taste!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings and cozy gatherings. Its rich, deep flavor comes from roasting fresh Roma tomatoes, creating a delightful blend of sweetness and savory notes. This creamy soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for family meals or entertaining guests. With vibrant aromas and a satisfying texture, this soup is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 Roma tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice tomatoes in half, place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 1 hour until caramelized.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sauté diced onions for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and roasted tomatoes; simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth; stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
