Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the home, you’ve found it! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The rich flavors from roasting fresh tomatoes paired with aromatic basil create an inviting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner, hosting friends for lunch, or simply craving something comforting, this soup fits the bill beautifully.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare yet so satisfying to enjoy. It pairs perfectly with crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, making it a family favorite that everyone will love. Get ready to bring some warmth to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious pot of soup that’s ready to enjoy in under two hours.
• Flavor Packed: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, creating a deep and rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and savory taste, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences—this recipe is flexible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients! Each one contributes to the comforting taste of this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. You might already have some of these in your pantry!

• 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 tastes or dietary needs.

• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick.
• Kick Up the Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Swap the Cream: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those lovely sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them enhances their natural sweetness and gives your soup a wonderful depth of flavor. Pop them in the oven for about an hour until they are caramelized and fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

While your tomatoes roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté them for about five minutes until they turn translucent. This step builds that sweet base flavor crucial for your soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper into the onions. Sauté everything together for another minute until you can smell those beautiful aromas filling your kitchen. Garlic adds richness while thyme brings an earthy note.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add your crushed San Marzano tomatoes, roughly chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about ten minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once simmered, stir in your roasted tomatoes along with the chicken stock into the pot. Let everything simmer together for about thirty minutes; stirring occasionally helps blend those flavors even more.

Step 6: Purée Your Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully purée your soup until smooth—this creates that creamy texture we all love! If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer small batches to a regular blender instead. Just be cautious as hot liquids can splatter!

Step 7: Finish It Off

Finally, stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. This adds luscious creaminess that balances out all those robust flavors beautifully.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

To make mini croutons, cut some bread into small cubes and toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking them at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown. Top each serving of soup with these crunchy croutons right before serving—enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Creating the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about enhancing those delightful flavors while making the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes will ensure your soup has that vibrant flavor and sweetness that makes it irresistible.

• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting the tomatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, giving your soup a deeper, richer taste. Trust me; this step is essential!

• Balance flavors: Adding a touch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This simple addition can make a world of difference in taste.

• Blend for texture: For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender or blend in batches until you reach your desired consistency. A silky texture enhances the overall experience.

• Adjust creaminess: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of cream. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option without sacrificing richness.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be a fun and creative endeavor! With just a few extra touches, you can turn this comforting bowl of goodness into a beautifully presented dish that’s sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves on top add a pop of color and freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• A drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top to enhance richness and add an elegant touch.
• Parmesan cheese shavings: For those who enjoy cheese, adding shavings on top introduces a savory element that pairs wonderfully with tomato soup.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: A classic combination! The gooey cheese and crispy bread provide a satisfying contrast to the smooth soup.
• Caprese salad: This fresh salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness to your meal and echoes the flavors in your soup.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes for an excellent dipping companion while enhancing that comforting vibe.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition, complementing the rich flavors of your soup without overshadowing it.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup experience! Every bowl is not just food but an invitation to savor warmth and comfort with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for later, making your weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in a safe container, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that might help you on your cooking journey!

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

Absolutely! Canned San Marzano tomatoes work wonderfully. They add rich flavor and save time, making this soup even easier to prepare.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This comforting soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh garden salad. It’s perfect for cozy lunches or dinner nights!

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day. The rich flavors from roasting the tomatoes create a delightful taste that warms you from the inside out. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!