This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and soul. The rich, deep flavor from roasting the tomatoes elevates this dish to a new level, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for an unbeatable pairing that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and creates a deep flavor profile.
- Comforting Dish: Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up even on a busy day.
- Versatile Pairing: This soup goes well with various sides like grilled cheese, crispy bread, or even a fresh salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving at gatherings, it’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Baking sheet
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for simmering the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the tomatoes, allowing them to caramelize beautifully.
- Immersion blender or regular blender: Helps achieve that smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Ingredients
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup uses fresh ingredients that come together to create a flavorful dish.
Fresh Produce
- 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
Pantry Staples
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Canned Goods
- 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 cups chicken stock
Dairy Products
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting
Spread the tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Roast Tomatoes
Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of either olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté these together for another minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Incorporate Crushed Tomatoes
Add in the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Stock and Roasted Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Simmer this mixture for approximately 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. If using a regular blender or food processor, carefully transfer small batches of soup to blend until smooth before returning to the pot.
Step 9: Add Heavy Cream
Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. This adds a rich texture that’s hard to resist!
Step 10: Prepare Mini Croutons (Optional)
For extra crunch, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with a little oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.
Step 11: Serve Your Soup
Ladle out servings of your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls. Top each serving with mini croutons if desired. Enjoy it hot!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in its serving options. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
With Grilled Cheese
- A classic pairing that elevates the meal. The melty cheese complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
Topped with Croutons
- Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling homemade croutons on top. They absorb the soup’s flavor while providing a delightful crunch.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the soup’s richness and adds a gourmet touch.
Served with Fresh Basil
- Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish that brightens up the dish.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light salad can balance the meal. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette for freshness.
How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
To ensure your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup reaches perfection, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose ripe tomatoes – Select fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes for a naturally sweet flavor that enhances your soup.
- Don’t skip roasting – Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, making your soup richer and more satisfying.
- Use homemade stock – If possible, use homemade chicken stock for depth of flavor; store-bought can be too salty.
- Season gradually – Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning at different stages to achieve the perfect balance.
- Blend thoroughly – For a silky texture, blend the soup until completely smooth, ensuring no tomato chunks remain.
- Add cream at the end – Stir in heavy cream just before serving to maintain its fresh taste and rich texture.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A cheesy delight that melts beautifully alongside your soup.Garlic Bread
Crispy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.Pesto Pasta
A light pasta tossed in pesto offers an herby flavor that complements the tomato base.Stuffed Peppers
Colorful peppers filled with grains or meat provide a hearty addition to your meal.Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa mixed with vegetables adds wholesome nutrition and pairs well with the soup’s flavors.Crispy Vegetable Chips
Crunchy vegetable chips offer an interesting texture and healthy alternative to bread sides.Cheesy Biscuits
Flaky biscuits loaded with cheese make for an indulgent pairing that brings comfort to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Tomatoes – Roasting tomatoes is key, but if you leave them in too long, they can burn. Aim for a sweet spot of about one hour at 375°F.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients – Using dried herbs instead of fresh basil or thyme can dull the flavor. Fresh ingredients bring out the best in your soup.
- Skipping the Blender Step – Blending your soup helps achieve a creamy texture. Don’t skip this; it’s essential for that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Adding Too Much Cream – While cream adds richness, too much can overpower the tomato flavor. Start with less and adjust to taste after blending.
- Not Tasting as You Go – Failing to taste your soup during cooking can lead to unbalanced flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed for the best result.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish, covered, until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
How do I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?
You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting olive oil for butter and using coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes! While Roma tomatoes are ideal, you can also use other varieties like vine-ripened or even cherry tomatoes for different flavors.
What dishes pair well with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup is delightful with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with spices or add proteins like chicken or beans. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm flavors that fill your kitchen!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, a delicious blend that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes and aromatic fresh basil. This creamy soup is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with loved ones. The depth of flavor achieved by roasting the tomatoes elevates the dish, making it an instant favorite. Pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic and satisfying meal that everyone will adore. Enjoy each spoonful as it wraps you in heartwarming goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 Roma tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cut Roma tomatoes in half, place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 1 hour.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and roasted tomatoes; simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, then stir in heavy cream.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with croutons or fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
