Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. The deliciously roasted tomatoes create a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches. With its burst of fresh basil and creamy texture, this soup is sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this recipe promises satisfaction on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal effort, you can whip up this soup in no time.
• Versatile Dish: This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup works well as an appetizer or a hearty meal when paired with bread.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week; it reheats wonderfully.
• Health Benefits: Packed with vitamins from tomatoes and basil, it’s both nutritious and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for sautéing ingredients and simmering the soup without risk of overflow.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the tomatoes evenly and achieving that caramelized flavor.
• Immersion blender: Makes blending the soup easy without transferring it to another container, saving time and effort.

Ingredients

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup requires fresh ingredients that bring out vibrant flavors.

Fresh Produce

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

Pantry Staples

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar

Canned Goods

• 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 will set the stage for perfectly roasted tomatoes.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes

Spread the sliced tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Bake the Tomatoes

Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté these ingredients together for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomatoes

Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 7: Combine Roasted Tomatoes

Stir in both your roasted tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot. Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, purée your soup until smooth. If using a traditional blender, transfer it carefully in batches back into the pot after blending.

Step 9: Add Cream

Finally, stir in heavy cream to achieve that luscious texture.

Step 10: Make Croutons (Optional)

For added crunch, cut small pieces of bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil. Bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes to create mini croutons.

Step 11: Serve

Top each bowl of soup with croutons if desired. Serve hot right away!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• A classic pairing that never goes out of style. The gooey cheese complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil enhances the aroma and freshness of the soup, making it even more appealing.

Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that contrasts beautifully with the savory soup.

Served with Croutons

• Mini croutons provide a delightful crunch, adding texture and elevating your soup experience.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

• A light green salad can balance the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your roasted tomato basil soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an edible container!

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, consider these tips.

• Use ripe tomatoes: The best flavor comes from ripe tomatoes. They will be sweeter and juicier, enhancing the overall taste.
• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting intensifies the flavors of the tomatoes. It’s crucial to get that deep, rich taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Blend thoroughly: For a smooth consistency, blend the soup well. An immersion blender works great for this purpose.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding other herbs like oregano or rosemary for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile.
• Serve warm: Make sure to serve your soup hot for optimal enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A warm grilled cheese sandwich is an unbeatable combination with this comforting soup.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Garlic Bread
   Crunchy garlic bread provides perfect dipping accompaniment for every spoonful of soup.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a vibrant salad that complements the soup nicely.
5. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad dressed in vinaigrette can add substance while keeping things fresh.
6. Stuffed Peppers
   Baked stuffed peppers filled with grains and veggies make for a hearty side dish next to the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using unripe tomatoes: Always choose ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor. Unripe tomatoes can lead to a bland soup.
• Overcooking the garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant. Overcooking can make it bitter, ruining the soup’s taste.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh basil is key for a vibrant flavor. Dried herbs do not provide the same freshness or aroma.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Don’t skip this crucial step for a rich flavor.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. This ensures your soup has the perfect balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Heat in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Roasted Tomato Basil Soup special?

Roasting the tomatoes deepens their flavor, creating a rich and comforting soup that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! Using canned San Marzano tomatoes can save time while still delivering great flavor if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

How do I customize my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

You can add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess and richness.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and basil while being low in calories and high in flavor.

Can I make this soup vegan-friendly?

Yes! You can substitute olive oil for butter and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different herbs or toppings to suit your taste. It’s perfect for cozy nights or as a delightful lunch option. Be sure to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite!