Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and soul, you’ve found it! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is truly the epitome of comfort food. The magic happens when you roast the tomatoes, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh basil. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this soup promises to bring smiles all around.

Imagine curling up with a warm bowl of this delicious soup, especially when paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become one of your go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful soup in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves tomato soup! It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile pairing options: Enjoy it alone or with your favorite sandwiches for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these items to create your comforting bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

• 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! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add some spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Creamy alternative: For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Vegetable boost: Add in diced carrots or bell peppers during sautéing for extra nutrition.
• Herb enhancement: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley for added flavor.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial as it prepares the environment for roasting those lovely tomatoes!

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

Spread the sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for about an hour will deepen their flavors, making your soup more delicious.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and translucent. This step helps release their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute. This fragrant mixture will lay the foundation of flavor in your soup.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes to meld those incredible flavors together.

Step 6: Incorporate Stock and Roasted Tomatoes

Now it’s time to add both the chicken stock and those beautifully roasted tomatoes into your pot. Let everything simmer together for about thirty minutes while stirring occasionally; this will allow all those wonderful flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 7: Purée Your Soup

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches into a blender or food processor. This step makes your soup creamy without needing too much heavy cream!

Step 8: Finish with Cream

Return the puréed soup back to the pot if needed and stir in the heavy cream. This adds richness that balances out the acidity from the tomatoes beautifully.

Step 9: Prepare Mini Croutons

For an extra touch, cut some small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with a little oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking them at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown—these mini croutons will add delightful crunch!

Step 10: Serve Warm

Ladle your lovely Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and top each serving with those crunchy croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be a delightful experience, and I’m here to help you elevate your dish with these handy tips!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your soup depends significantly on the quality of the tomatoes. Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes as they will provide a naturally sweet and rich taste.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup. This step is crucial for achieving that comforting, robust flavor.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free option while still keeping a creamy texture.

• Experiment with herbs: While fresh basil is essential, consider adding other herbs like oregano or parsley for added layers of flavor. Just make sure to adjust quantities so no single herb overpowers the others.

• Blend until smooth: For a velvety texture, blend your soup thoroughly. If you enjoy some chunkiness, reserve a few roasted tomato pieces before blending and stir them back in afterward for added interest.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Presenting your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup beautifully can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Here are some thoughtful ideas to enhance your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only add visual appeal but also enhance the fresh herbal aroma.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds richness and an inviting sheen.
• Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle some on top for added flavor and a bit of indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic comfort food! The melty cheese paired with crispy bread is perfect for dipping in your soup.
• Crusty Bread Rolls: Warm bread rolls are fantastic for soaking up every drop of that delicious tomato soup. Consider serving them warm from the oven!
• Simple Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can complement your soup nicely while adding more nutrients to your meal.

Enjoy creating this heartwarming dish! Your friends and family will surely appreciate these thoughtful touches at mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch and store it for later, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If using a microwave, transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Always check that it’s heated all the way through before serving!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

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

Absolutely! Using canned tomatoes is a great shortcut. Just be sure to choose high-quality canned tomatoes for rich flavor.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

To deepen the flavor of your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or more herbs like oregano or bay leaf during cooking.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup suitable for freezing?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Just follow the proper cooling and storage techniques mentioned above.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a light salad for a complete meal.

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making your own soup from scratch, especially this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an instant classic that warms both body and soul. I hope you enjoy preparing this recipe as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your results or any variations you try—I’d love to hear about your experience!