Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and soul, then you’ve come to the right place! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate in comfort food. There’s something magical about roasting tomatoes; it brings out a deep, rich flavor that transforms simple ingredients into something special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, and you have an instant hit!

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. You’ll love how the aromas fill your kitchen as the tomatoes roast. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kiddos—or for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, making each bite a delight.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this comforting soup, making it a perfect meal for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this soup in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy weeknight dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Add Some Spice: If you like a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Make It Vegan: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a plant-based twist.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley alongside basil for added flavor depth.
• Roast Other Veggies: Try adding roasted red peppers or carrots to the mix for extra sweetness and nutrition.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those lovely tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for an hour will bring out their natural sweetness and deepen their flavor—trust me, you’ll want every last bit of that goodness!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or use more olive oil if you prefer). Add diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out the onion’s natural sweetness, which adds depth to your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant. The aroma will be amazing! Garlic adds warmth while herbs infuse the soup with fresh flavors.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes & Simmer

Add crushed tomatoes from the can along with your freshly roasted tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower your heat and let everything simmer together for about ten minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Now’s the fun part! Carefully blend your soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by transferring batches into a regular blender. Blending creates that creamy texture we all love—just be cautious when handling hot liquids!

Step 6: Stir in Cream

Return your blended soup to low heat and stir in heavy cream until well combined. This gives the soup its richness—perfectly indulgent!

Step 7: Make Mini Croutons

For some added crunch, cut small pieces of bread into cubes, drizzle them with olive oil, toss in diced garlic and basil, then bake at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown. These croutons will add delightful texture atop your soup!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with those crispy croutons you made earlier. Serve immediately to enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about the little details! Here are some handy tips to take your soup from good to absolutely delightful.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using ripe Roma tomatoes ensures a sweeter, richer flavor. The natural sugars in fresh tomatoes will enhance the overall taste of your soup.

• Don’t rush the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes for a full hour allows their flavors to concentrate and caramelize, giving your soup that deep, smoky taste that’s simply irresistible.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! After blending, take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference.

• Try different herbs: While basil is traditional, experimenting with other herbs like oregano or parsley can add unique flavors and freshness to your soup – feel free to get creative!

• Make it vegan-friendly: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a deliciously creamy texture without using dairy. This not only caters to various dietary preferences but also adds a slight sweetness.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be a delightful experience for both you and your guests. With its vibrant colors and comforting aroma, it’s sure to be a hit at any table!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: Adding whole or torn basil leaves right before serving enhances the aroma and gives a fresh pop of color.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and an elegant finish.
• Crème fraîche or sour cream: A dollop of crème fraîche adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic pairing! The crispy, buttery bread complements the warm, velvety soup perfectly.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup – plus, who doesn’t love garlic?
• Mini quiches: These bite-sized delights are great for brunch alongside your soup, adding protein and variety to your meal.

With these serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores wonderfully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you’ve made croutons, store them separately in a sealed bag to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (about 1-2 minutes) until hot, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Got questions about making this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup? We’ve got answers!

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh in Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Absolutely! Canned tomatoes can be a great substitute. Just make sure you choose high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for that rich flavor.

How long does Roasted Tomato Basil Soup last in the fridge?

This delicious soup can last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in your refrigerator.

Is there a dairy-free option for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture without dairy.

Can I add other vegetables to Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings friends and family together. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy afternoons with a good book, this soup is bound to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients and let your kitchen fill with those wonderful aromas—happy cooking!