Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, this soup stands out with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating an irresistible depth of flavor. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their sweetness, giving your soup a deep and satisfying taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a starter; this soup fits into any meal plan or occasion.
• Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes and basil, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable, gather the essential tools before starting on your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Knife and cutting board
• Immersion blender or standard blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing for ample simmering time.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the tomatoes to achieve that wonderful caramelization.
• Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easy without transferring to another container.

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Canned Goods

• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 2 cups chicken stock

Fats and Creaminess

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Sweetness

• 1 tbsp sugar

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
4. Roast tomatoes for 1 hour, then remove from oven and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute.

Step 4: Simmer Ingredients Together

1. Add crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar to the pot.
2. Lower heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Roasted Tomatoes

Add roasted tomatoes along with chicken stock into the pot. Allow everything to simmer together for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Purée the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer it in batches to a standard blender.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Return the puréed soup back to the pot and stir in heavy cream until fully combined.

Step 8: Prepare Mini Croutons

Cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Mix with a bit of oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Top each bowl of soup with croutons before serving hot!

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup makes approximately eight servings—perfect for family gatherings or meal prep! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can be enhanced with a few delightful accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup game.

Pair with Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic choice, grilled cheese adds a crispy texture that complements the smoothness of the soup. Choose your favorite cheese for a rich flavor.

Top with Croutons

• Homemade croutons made from toasted bread enhance the soup’s texture and provide an extra crunch. Simply cube some bread, toss with olive oil, and bake until golden.

Accompany with Fresh Basil

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. It brightens up the dish and reinforces the basil notes in the soup.

Serve with a Salad

• A light salad, like mixed greens or Caesar, balances the richness of the soup. The freshness of the salad complements the comforting warmth of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top before serving adds depth and enhances flavors. This simple touch makes a big difference.

Offer Parmesan Cheese

• Grated Parmesan can be sprinkled on top for added richness. The salty, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and basil.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Creating the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve that comforting bowl every time.

• Use ripe tomatoes: The ripeness of your tomatoes greatly affects the flavor. Opt for vine-ripened Roma tomatoes for sweetness.

• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, adding depth to your soup. This step is essential for achieving that rich taste.

• Fresh herbs matter: Always use fresh basil instead of dried when possible. Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor and aroma.

• Blend thoroughly: For a creamy texture, ensure you blend the soup until smooth. An immersion blender works best for this task.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Personal preference can change the final outcome.

• Add cream at the end: Stir in heavy cream after blending to keep it rich without curdling during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

While Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with some sides can create a more complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A crunchy and gooey classic that never disappoints when paired with tomato soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your warm soup, enhancing its flavors.
4. Pesto Pasta – Lightly dressed pasta tossed in pesto complements the tomato base while adding heartiness.
5. Spinach Salad – A salad with spinach, nuts, and vinaigrette provides crunch and freshness alongside your soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers – These hearty sides filled with rice or quinoa add protein while balancing the flavors in your meal.
7. Mini Quiches – Savory quiches are great finger foods that pair well as a side dish for any comfort meal.
8. Vegetable Platter – A colorful assortment of raw vegetables offers a healthy crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy soup textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the end result. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using unripe tomatoes: Always choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Unripe tomatoes will yield a less flavorful soup.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness. Don’t skip this crucial step if you want rich flavor.
• Not sautéing the onions enough: Sautéing onions until they’re translucent brings out their sweetness. Make sure to cook them properly for maximum taste.
• Using low-quality stock: A good chicken stock makes a difference in flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought stock for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as it cooks. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to ensure perfect seasoning.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place the soup in an oven-safe dish, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that you may find helpful.

How do I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Omit the cream or replace it with coconut milk for creaminess.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. However, roasting fresh tomatoes enhances the flavor significantly.

How can I spice up my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra kick of flavor.

What goes well with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. It can easily be customized with spices or toppings to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights and will surely bring joy to your table!