Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and soul, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is just the ticket! There’s something magical about the sweet aroma of roasted tomatoes mingling with fresh basil; it instantly takes me back to sunny afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. This soup is not only perfect for busy weeknights but also a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. Pair it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, and you have a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.

This recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy those cozy evenings without any stress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a rich, deep flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love dipping their grilled cheese into this soup, making mealtime fun for everyone!
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can make this soup in advance and store it. It reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each element contributes to the deliciousness of the dish, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Here’s what you 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

One of the best things about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have available. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
• Go vegan: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
• Boost the nutrition: Add in some spinach or kale during the simmering phase for extra vitamins.
• Change up the herbs: Swap basil for other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to create new flavor profiles.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those lovely tomato halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for an hour will enhance their sweetness and deepen their flavor—trust me; this step is essential!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your tomatoes are roasting away, heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent—about five minutes. This process releases natural sugars from the onion, making your soup even sweeter!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute until fragrant. This step adds layers of flavor to your soup that will really shine through when blended.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar into your pot. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for about ten minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock

Once that’s done, toss in your roasted tomatoes along with chicken stock. Let it simmer on low heat for thirty minutes while stirring occasionally. This makes sure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Blend It Up

Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring batches to a regular blender), purée the soup until smooth. This step transforms your chunky mixture into creamy goodness!

Step 7: Stir in Cream

Return your blended soup back to the pot and stir in heavy cream for that luscious finish. It adds richness that complements all those vibrant flavors perfectly.

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons

For an extra touch, cube some bread pieces and mix them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about seven minutes. These crunchy bites are delightful on top of your warm soup!

Step 9: Serve Warm

Ladle your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top off with those mini croutons. Enjoy immediately—you’ve just created something truly special!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making a delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be easy and fun! Here are some tips to ensure that yours is bursting with flavor and perfectly creamy.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using ripe Roma tomatoes will enhance the soup’s natural sweetness and depth, leading to a more flavorful dish that you’ll love.

• Don’t rush the roasting: Allowing the tomatoes to roast for a full hour caramelizes their sugars and develops a rich flavor profile, making your soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.

• Blend carefully: If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending. This helps prevent splattering and ensures a smooth texture throughout.

• Adjust creaminess to your preference: Feel free to add more or less heavy cream based on your desired creaminess level. You can also substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative while maintaining a wonderful flavor.

• Experiment with herbs: While basil is traditional, adding other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can bring an exciting twist to your soup!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup beautifully can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only add color but also enhance the fresh basil aroma.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and visual appeal.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Just a sprinkle on top adds an inviting touch and enhances the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing! Gooey cheese melted between two slices of buttery toast provides the perfect contrast in texture and flavor.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate and balances the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is fantastic for dipping into the soup, adding another layer of flavor.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a delightful crunch and additional nutrients, making for a wholesome meal combination.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will shine at any table! Enjoy every comforting spoonful as you create lasting memories around food.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it all week long, making it an excellent choice for busy days or cozy nights in.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best flavor, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely and heat in increments, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Yes! Using fresh tomatoes will enhance the flavor even more. Just remember to roast them as specified in the recipe for that rich taste.

How can I customize my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or basil. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or substituting with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as comforting and delightful as I do! It’s truly special with its deep flavors and creamy texture. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly day or enjoying a simple meal with loved ones, this soup is sure to please. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!