Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is just what you need. Imagine a chilly evening where the aroma of roasted tomatoes fills your kitchen, wrapping you in comfort and warmth. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, creating a classic combo that everyone loves.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of lazy Sundays spent with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter over hearty bowls of soup. Every spoonful brings back memories of happy times, making it a go-to for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful soup ready to serve.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors that come from roasting the tomatoes.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals all week.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of fresh basil and roasted tomatoes creates an irresistible flavor profile that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor.

• 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 parts about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add some spice: If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Make it vegan: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Boost the veggies: Add chopped carrots or bell peppers when sautéing the onions for extra nutrition.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or parsley to give your soup a new twist.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those beautiful Roma tomato halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Roasting them for about an hour will deepen their flavor and sweetness, making your soup truly irresistible.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

While the tomatoes are roasting, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. When hot, add diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step is key because it brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer

Now it’s time to add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with fresh basil and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let this simmer for about ten minutes; this melds all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Add Roasted Tomatoes

Once your hour is up and those gorgeous roasted tomatoes are ready, toss them into the pot along with chicken stock. Let everything simmer together for 30 minutes—don’t forget to stir occasionally!

Step 6: Blend It Up

For that silky-smooth texture we love in soups, use an immersion blender to purée everything right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Just be cautious as it’s hot! Return everything back into your pot once blended.

Step 7: Stir in Cream

Finally, stir in that lovely heavy cream until well combined. This adds richness that makes each spoonful comforting and creamy.

Step 8: Croutons Time!

For an extra touch of delight, make mini croutons by cutting small cubes of bread. Toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about seven minutes—these little crunchies will take your soup to another level!

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your beautiful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top with those crunchy croutons. Serve immediately and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish—it truly embodies comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about those little details that elevate the flavors and textures. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your soup turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use ripe tomatoes: The sweetness of ripe tomatoes adds depth to your soup. Look for tomatoes that have a deep red color and feel slightly soft to the touch.
• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a rich flavor that’s hard to replicate. It’s a key step that transforms ordinary tomatoes into something extraordinary.
• Blend thoroughly: For a velvety texture, make sure to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. This will help integrate all the flavors beautifully and create a lovely mouthfeel.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your soup after blending, as flavors can change during cooking. A little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish perfectly.
• Experiment with herbs: While basil is essential, feel free to mix in other herbs like oregano or parsley. They can add complexity and freshness to your soup!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving this comforting soup is just as important as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a simple bowl of soup into an impressive meal that feels special.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only look beautiful but also enhance the aroma and flavor of your soup.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth right before serving.
• Parmesan cheese shavings: Although we’re avoiding animal-derived products, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative. It adds creaminess and a savory element on top.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing! Try whole grain or gluten-free bread with your favorite dairy-free cheese for a melty delight alongside your soup.
• Crispy Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter (or olive oil) is perfect for dipping into your delicious soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add texture and additional nutrients that balance out this cozy meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an unforgettable bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the soup cool before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in intervals until hot.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes but make sure to roast them first as mentioned in the recipe. This will enhance their flavor and sweetness, making your soup even more delicious.

How do I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

To make this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Additionally, use olive oil instead of butter when cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini during the sautéing step for added flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as comforting and delightful as I do! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening with a crusty grilled cheese sandwich or prepping it for lunch throughout the week, you can’t go wrong. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!