Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly, look no further than this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. There’s something magical about the combination of roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup is perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. And let’s not forget how wonderfully it pairs with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich!

This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to faces young and old alike. The deep, rich flavors from roasting the tomatoes truly elevate this dish, making it special enough for family gatherings yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a robust flavor that makes every spoonful delightful.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The creamy texture and delicious taste make it easy to serve even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time. Just reheat for an effortless meal on busy days!
• Easy to Customize: With simple ingredients, you can play around with flavors and textures to suit your preferences.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Each one plays an important role in crafting this delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is incredibly flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add some heat: If you like a little spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
• Go vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Throw in veggies: Add chopped carrots or bell peppers when you sauté the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Top it off differently: Instead of croutons, try adding toasted pine nuts or shredded cheese for some added texture.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those lovely tomato halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. This roasting step is crucial because it caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, intensifying their flavor. Roast them for about an hour until they’re beautifully caramelized.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up your olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in your diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until they become soft and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness! Next, stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper; sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add those crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with fresh basil and sugar into your pot. Lower the heat slightly and let it all simmer together for about ten minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Roasted Tomatoes

After your mixture has simmered nicely, stir in both your roasted tomatoes and chicken stock. Let everything simmer again for about thirty minutes; stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This step helps create that comforting depth of flavor we love!

Step 5: Purée Your Soup

Here comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one handy, you can transfer it—one batch at a time—to a blender or food processor. This step transforms our chunky mixture into that velvety goodness we crave.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Once you’ve achieved that smooth consistency, return your soup back to low heat and stir in heavy cream gently. This adds richness that elevates our Roasted Tomato Basil Soup even more!

Step 7: Create Croutons

For some added crunch on top of your soup, cut small cubes from some bread pieces. Toss these cubes with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown—these little bites are simply irresistible!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and sprinkle those homemade croutons on top just before serving. Gather around with friends or family—and watch as everyone savors each warm bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful experience, and these tips will elevate your soup-making game to the next level!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: The better the tomatoes, the richer the flavor. Look for tomatoes that are deeply colored and slightly soft to the touch for maximum sweetness.

• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup. It’s a crucial step that transforms ordinary soup into something extraordinary!

• Blend for smoothness: For a velvety texture, using an immersion blender is ideal. If you’re using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid steam buildup.

• Adjust seasoning as needed: After simmering, taste your soup! You might find it needs a pinch more salt or sugar depending on your personal preference and the acidity of your tomatoes.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and reheat for an effortless meal!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves add color and freshness on top of each bowl.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle enhances flavor and gives a polished finish.
• Parmesan cheese shavings (optional): For those who enjoy dairy, adding shavings can add a nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic pairing with tomato soup! Use your favorite bread and cheese combination for a comforting meal.
• Crusty bread: Slices of hearty artisan bread make perfect dippers for this rich soup.
• Simple salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with a vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the creamy soup.
• Mini quiches: These bite-sized treats are perfect finger foods that complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.

Enjoy every spoonful of your cozy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! Your kitchen will be filled with warmth and delightful aromas that invite everyone to join in.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors throughout the week or even longer. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious soup so that you can savor every last drop!

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container to ensure freshness.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within a month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup without cream?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can omit the cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.

What makes Roasted Tomato Basil Soup so special?

The secret lies in roasting the tomatoes! This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavor, making it an irresistible comfort food.

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes, while Roma tomatoes work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with other varieties like heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for unique flavors!

How do I enhance my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Adding spices such as red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the taste. Fresh herbs right before serving also add a burst of flavor!

What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a light salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup brings warmth and comfort to your table! Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a true delight during chilly days or any time you need a cozy meal. Enjoy making it as much as I do—share it with loved ones and create wonderful memories together. Happy cooking!