Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. There’s something magical about the way roasting tomatoes enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor. You can almost smell the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers away. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to busy weeknights and is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends spent at home.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this soup when I need a little pick-me-up. It pairs beautifully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, making it a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Let me share this beloved recipe with you, so you can enjoy it as much as I do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes creates a deep, savory taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have a delicious soup without fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors, making it perfect for any table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for quick dinners.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfect alongside grilled cheese or crusty bread, this soup fits any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Ingredients

• 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 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Canned Ingredients

• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)

Sweetener and Stock

• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups chicken stock

Creaminess

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Switch the herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Make it vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delightful dairy-free version.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial because roasting the tomatoes at this temperature helps to caramelize their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

Spread the sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle on some salt and black pepper. Roasting them for an hour will concentrate their flavors beautifully—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or additional olive oil. Add in the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper for just another minute—this builds such wonderful depth in your soup!

Step 4: Create the Base

Next, add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with fresh basil and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 10 minutes; this allows all those flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to throw in those delicious roasted tomatoes along with your chicken stock. Give everything a good stir, then let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally! This patiently allows all those amazing tastes to combine.

Step 6: Blend It Up!

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup right in the pot until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have one handy, carefully transfer batches to a blender—just be cautious of hot splashes! Once blended, return everything back to your pot.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Stir in that luscious heavy cream until fully incorporated—it adds richness that takes this soup over-the-top delicious!

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

For an extra touch of crunch, cut small cubes of bread into pieces. Toss them with a bit of oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve!

Ladle your warm Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top generously with those delightful croutons! Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about a few little tricks that can elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing!

• Choose ripe tomatoes – Using fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the soup, making it more delicious.
• Don’t skip roasting – Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and adds a smoky depth to the soup that you won’t achieve by just simmering them.
• Blend it well – For a silky smooth texture, ensure you purée the soup thoroughly. This will create a luxurious mouthfeel that complements its rich flavors.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Every tomato can have a slightly different flavor profile; be sure to taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar accordingly for a balanced dish.
• Try fresh herbs – Adding fresh basil right before serving enhances the aroma and freshness of the soup, making every bite more vibrant.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is just as important as making it! Presentation can make this comforting dish feel even more special.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves – A few whole leaves not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aromatic experience of eating your soup.
• A drizzle of olive oil – A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top adds richness and a glossy finish.
• Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) – Grated cheese adds a savory touch that complements the tomato’s acidity beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The classic pairing! A gooey grilled cheese sandwich offers a delightful contrast in texture and is perfect for dipping into your soup.
• Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup, providing freshness on your plate.
• Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is always a hit. Its crispy exterior and soft inside are perfect for soaking up every drop of your delicious soup.
• Roasted Vegetable Platter – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, nutrition, and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomato basil profile.

Now that you have everything you need to make and serve this comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious soup fresh for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to preserve its flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Leave a little space at the top of each container for expansion as it freezes.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup!

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup without heavy cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option.

What makes this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup so special?

The secret lies in roasting the tomatoes! This process intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a rich, deep flavor that’s simply irresistible.

How do I add more flavor to my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Consider adding additional herbs like oregano or basil, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor!

Can I use different tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Roma tomatoes are great, you can also use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for different taste profiles.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do! The rich flavors from roasted tomatoes combined with fresh basil make every spoonful a warm hug. Perfect with grilled cheese sandwiches, it’s a cozy dish that brings comfort on chilly days. Enjoy every moment of cooking and savoring this recipe!

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