Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate in comfort. With its rich, roasted flavor and creamy texture, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Whether paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch or served as a starter at a dinner party, this soup shines in its simplicity and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a deep, flavorful base.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or an appetizer, this soup fits many occasions from casual meals to elegant dinners.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Comfort Food Classic: This soup warms the soul and is sure to please friends and family alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you will need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items beforehand will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and allowing for easy stirring.
• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for roasting tomatoes without crowding.
• Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easy without transferring it to another container.

Ingredients

For this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables & Herbs

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

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 & Broth

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

Dairy

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your tomatoes roast evenly and develop their flavors.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

• Spread the sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Once done, remove from oven and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot with sautéed vegetables.
• Lower heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Add Broth & Roasted Tomatoes

• Pour in the chicken stock along with the roasted tomatoes you set aside earlier.
• Simmer everything together for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Purée the Soup

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to purée the soup until smooth. If using a traditional blender, carefully transfer small batches at a time to blend.

Step 7: Stir in Cream

Once puréed to your liking, return to heat and stir in heavy cream until well combined.

Step 8: Prepare Mini Croutons (Optional)

For delicious croutons:
* Cut small pieces of bread into cubes.
* Toss with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil.
* Bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with mini croutons. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your dining experience. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• A classic pairing, the gooey cheese melts perfectly alongside the warm soup, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Adding fresh basil on top not only boosts the flavor but also adds a vibrant green color that makes the dish visually appealing.

With Mini Croutons

• Homemade mini croutons bring a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth soup. They are easy to make and add a gourmet touch.

Served in Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an edible serving dish that’s both charming and tasty.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing to complement the flavors.

With Cheese Toasts

• Broil slices of bread topped with cheese until bubbly and golden for an easy side that pairs wonderfully with every spoonful of soup.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Perfecting your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup ensures every bowl is delicious and satisfying. Here are some tips to elevate your recipe:

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: The best flavor comes from using ripe, in-season tomatoes. They add natural sweetness and depth to your soup.

• Don’t Rush the Roasting: Take your time while roasting tomatoes for an hour. This process caramelizes their sugars and enhances the overall taste.

• Blend Smoothly: For a velvety texture, use an immersion blender or blend in small batches until completely smooth.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a splash of vinegar for brightness.

• Add Cream Gradually: When incorporating heavy cream, do it slowly while stirring to achieve a creamy consistency without curdling.

• Experiment with Herbs: While basil is key, consider adding other herbs like oregano or parsley for additional layers of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich taste. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your bowl of soup.

3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice can be a hearty side that complements the flavors of roasted tomatoes.

4. Spinach Salad: A simple spinach salad dressed lightly adds freshness and balances out the richness of the soup.

5. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Crisp carrots and cucumbers served with hummus provide a healthy crunch that pairs well with creamy soups.

6. Cheese Quesadillas: Quick to prepare, these cheesy delights can be dipped directly into your tomato basil soup for extra flavor.

7. Zucchini Fritters: These crispy treats offer a nice contrast in texture while still being light enough not to overpower the soup’s flavor.

8. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can enhance your meal’s nutritional profile while offering complementary flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. Always roast your tomatoes to achieve that deep, rich taste.
• Not using fresh herbs: Dried herbs can’t replicate the freshness of basil. Always opt for fresh basil for the best flavor in your soup.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! If the soup lacks flavor, adding salt or sugar can help balance it out.
• Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic can make your soup taste bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant to keep the flavors bright.
• Not blending thoroughly: A chunky soup may not have the desired creamy texture. Blend until smooth for a velvety finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soups expand when frozen.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Roasted Tomato Basil Soup special?

Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, creating a richer and more complex soup than using raw tomatoes alone.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes! While Roma tomatoes are preferred, feel free to experiment with other varieties like vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes.

How do I customize my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more depth or try different herbs such as oregano or parsley.

Is there a vegan version of this soup?

Absolutely! Simply replace butter with olive oil and skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.

How do I thicken my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding cooked rice or using less chicken stock during cooking. Blending well also helps!

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting seasonings. Perfect alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe invites creativity while ensuring delightful flavors in every bowl. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!