Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, then this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is just what you need. There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of roasted tomatoes mingling with fresh basil and garlic. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to serve something heartwarming and delicious. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches—who can resist that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a delightful soup ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves a warm bowl of tomato basil soup! It’s a classic comfort food that kids and adults both adore.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this soup in advance and reheat it on those hectic days. It tastes even better the next day!
• Rich and flavorful: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness, making every spoonful packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this satisfying Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. You’ll find that most of these are staples in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up this comforting dish anytime!

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 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Additional Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Add some spice: If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick!
• Go vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy vegan version.
• Switch up the herbs: Try using oregano or rosemary instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots while sautéing for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzling them with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. Roasting these tomatoes is key—they develop a sweet, caramelized flavor that transforms your soup into something truly special!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the tomatoes roast for about an hour, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, creating a wonderful base for your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell divine! The garlic adds depth while complementing the roasted tomatoes perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with your chopped basil and sugar. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Create the Base for Your Soup

Next, pour in the chicken stock along with those delicious roasted tomatoes from earlier. Simmer everything together for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows all those rich flavors to deepen.

Step 6: Blend It Up!

Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth—you want that velvety consistency! If you don’t have an immersion blender handy, transfer batches to a regular blender but be cautious as hot liquids can splatter.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Return your blended soup back to the pot and stir in the heavy cream until well combined. This adds richness that takes your tomato basil soup over the top!

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

For fun texture, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and some chopped basil before baking them at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown—these little croutons are fantastic on top of your soup!

Step 9: Serve It Up!

Ladle your warm Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top with those crunchy croutons right before serving. Enjoy immediately!

This delightful dish not only nourishes but also brings smiles around your table—perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Creating the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful journey, and these tips will help ensure your soup is nothing short of amazing!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using ripe Roma tomatoes enhances the flavor profile, making your soup taste fresher and more vibrant.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a deeper and richer flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Blend thoroughly: For a silky-smooth texture, ensure you blend the soup well. If using a blender, allow it to cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every tomato varies in sweetness and acidity. Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust salt or sugar based on your preference.

• Experiment with herbs: While basil is classic, feel free to add other herbs like oregano or parsley for an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be as creative as it is comforting! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves on top not only add a pop of color but also enhance the herbal aroma.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle just before serving adds richness and an inviting sheen.
• Shaved Parmesan (or a vegan alternative): This brings an exquisite touch of umami and creaminess that complements the soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Nothing pairs better with warm tomato basil soup than a gooey grilled cheese. Use your favorite bread and cheese combination for comfort food bliss!

• Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, garlic bread complements the soup’s warmth while adding a satisfying crunch.

• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella (or dairy-free alternative), tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar create a light yet flavorful side that balances the richness of the soup.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a hearty complement to your meal while adding color and nutrients to your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a cozy bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that warms both body and soul! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy its comforting flavors whenever you need a warm bowl of goodness.

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 completely before transferring it to the container.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down to room temperature.
• Pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes! You can substitute canned tomatoes with more fresh Roma tomatoes. Just make sure to roast them as directed in the recipe for that rich flavor.

What goes well with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This delicious soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh green salad. It’s a comforting meal that’s hard to resist!

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

Stored properly, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it as leftovers throughout the week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! Its rich flavors and comforting aroma will surely warm your heart and home. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is special because it brings people together. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delightful dish!