There’s no better way to use up fresh tomatoes than this creamy, flavorful Roasted Tomato Soup! This dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights or gatherings. Its unique combination of slow-roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy texture makes it a delightful choice for any occasion. Serve it alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a soup bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime you have fresh tomatoes on hand.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a starter; it pairs perfectly with grilled cheese or a fresh salad.
- Comforting and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
- Quick Preparation: In just over an hour, you can make this satisfying soup from scratch.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large cookie sheet or two 9×13 inch baking dishes
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large cookie sheet: Allows for even roasting of tomatoes, ensuring they caramelize beautifully.
- Large pot: Provides ample space to cook the soup without splattering.
- Immersion blender: Makes blending easy and keeps cleanup simple since you can blend directly in the pot.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious Roasted Tomato Soup:
- 10 large tomatoes (about 3 pounds) (ends trimmed and cut into quarters)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- pepper to taste
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil and parmesan cheese, optional for garnish
How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
- Preheat your oven to 450ºF.
- Take a large cookie sheet or two baking dishes and lay out the quartered tomatoes cut side up in a single layer.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 30–35 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from oven and let cool.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the remaining olive oil (2 tablespoons).
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, stirring often.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot along with their juices, peels, and seeds.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add dried basil, Italian seasoning, remaining salt (1/2 teaspoon), and sugar.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients until smooth. If using a regular blender, do this in batches if necessary.
- If using a regular blender, return blended soup back to the pot after blending.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
- Allow the soup to come to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat.
- Once simmered, take it off heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or enjoy on its own!
Enjoy making your own Roasted Tomato Soup! Perfect for any meal or occasion!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Soup
Roasted Tomato Soup is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Whether you are enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- A classic pairing that creates a comforting combination. The crispy, gooey grilled cheese complements the creamy soup perfectly.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve the soup with thick slices of artisan bread for dipping. The crunchy texture of the bread enhances each spoonful of soup.
Topped with Fresh Basil
- Garnish your bowl with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic burst of flavor. This simple addition elevates the presentation and taste.
With Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle grated or shaved parmesan over the soup for added richness. The salty flavor of parmesan balances the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light green salad adds freshness to your meal. Consider a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
As an Appetizer
- Serve smaller portions in shot glasses or small bowls for a delightful starter at dinner parties. This allows guests to enjoy the flavors without being too full before the main course.
How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Soup
Perfecting Roasted Tomato Soup is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creamy texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection:
Use ripe tomatoes: Select juicy, ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor. They will provide natural sweetness and depth to your soup.
Don’t skip roasting: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor and caramelizes their sugars, leading to a richer taste in your soup.
Adjust seasonings: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Every batch may require different seasoning levels based on tomato ripeness.
Blend thoroughly: For a velvety texture, ensure you blend the soup until completely smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency.
Try different broths: Experiment with vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference. Each type adds its unique flavor profile to the soup.
Add acidity if needed: If your soup tastes too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten it up and balance flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Soup
Pairing side dishes with Roasted Tomato Soup can transform your meal into something truly special. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish well:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic melted cheese sandwich that’s perfect for dipping into the warm soup.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to creamy tomato soup.
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, these cheesy bites are irresistible alongside tomato soup.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every drop of delicious roasted tomato goodness.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad loaded with veggies brings additional nutrients and textures to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side dish that pairs nicely with tomato-based soups.
- Roasted Vegetables – A side of seasonal roasted vegetables adds both color and nutrition to your dinner plate.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast and makes for an ideal summer side dish when served chilled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Roasted Tomato Soup can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Not using ripe tomatoes: Using unripe tomatoes will lead to a bland soup. Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Skipping the roasting step: Roasting tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds depth. Don’t skip this important step!
- Overcooking the garlic: Overcooked garlic can taste bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. You may need to adjust salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
- Using heavy cream too early: Adding cream too soon can cause it to curdle. Wait until the soup has cooled slightly before mixing it in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Roasted Tomato Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Roasted Tomato Soup
- Oven: Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Roasted Tomato Soup, you might have some common questions. Here are answers to help you out!
What makes Roasted Tomato Soup creamy?
The addition of heavy cream at the end gives Roasted Tomato Soup its rich and velvety texture.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch! Just drain excess liquid and adjust seasonings as needed.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Roasted Tomato Soup?
Adding herbs like thyme or oregano or a splash of balsamic vinegar can elevate your soup’s flavor profile.
What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Soup?
Pair it with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or garnishes like fresh basil or cheese. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or serving it as a starter for guests, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table!
Roasted Tomato Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Roasted Tomato Soup, perfect for chilly evenings and cozy get-togethers. This simple yet flavorful recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, enhanced by slow roasting and aromatic garlic. The velvety texture, thanks to a touch of heavy cream, makes each spoonful irresistible. Serve it hot alongside crunchy grilled cheese sandwiches or artisan bread for a delightful meal experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 10 large ripe tomatoes (about 3 pounds), quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried basil and Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange quartered tomatoes on a large cookie sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30–35 minutes until soft.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat remaining olive oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted tomatoes with their juices, broth, dried herbs, remaining salt, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
