Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

An aromatic combination of roasted garlic, fresh basil, and garden-fresh tomatoes makes this Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or serving guests at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress. Its rich flavors and creamy texture stand out while being simple to prepare, making it an ideal comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of roasted garlic and fresh basil creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates traditional tomato soup.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, making this soup can be done in just over an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: This tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or can be served as a starter for a more formal meal.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs ensures vibrant flavors that canned soups simply can’t match.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and basil, this recipe offers a healthy choice without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing this delicious tomato soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking dish
• Immersion blender
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the ingredients together, allowing flavors to develop beautifully.
• Immersion blender: Provides an easy way to puree the soup directly in the pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Ingredients

An aromatic combination of roasted garlic, fresh basil, and garden-fresh tomatoes for a delicious homemade tomato soup recipe.

Fresh Produce

• 10-12 fresh ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 1 bulb garlic (roasted)
• 6 leaves fresh basil (finely chopped)

Liquids and Seasonings

• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (season to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (season to taste)

How to Make Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Cut the top off the garlic bulb. Place it cut side up in a baking dish and drizzle generously with olive oil. Roast for about 30 minutes until very soft when squeezed.

Step 3: Prepare Tomatoes

While the garlic is roasting, peel the tomatoes using an easy method:
1. Start a large pot of water boiling.
2. Place tomatoes into the boiling water for 20 seconds.
3. Remove from boiling water and immerse in a bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes.
4. Once cooled slightly, make a slice in the top of each tomato and pull the skin away.

Step 4: Chop Tomatoes

Chop peeled tomatoes into pieces.

Step 5: Sauté Onions

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the chopped tomatoes, roasted garlic (squeezed out of its skin), broth, and finely chopped basil.

Step 7: Simmer Soup

Simmer the soup for about 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Blend Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.

Step 9: Add Cream

Add heavy cream to the blended soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 10: Season

Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil!

How to Serve Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

Tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re having it as a main course or as a starter, the serving options are endless.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the rich flavors of the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• A classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich complements the soup’s flavors perfectly. Try using sharp cheddar for an added zing.

Fresh Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad. The crispness of the vegetables balances the warmth of the tomato soup.

Parmesan Crisps

• Add crispy parmesan chips on top for a crunchy texture. They add a savory kick that enhances the overall taste.

Pesto Drizzle

• A drizzle of pesto adds an herby richness. It’s an easy way to elevate your bowl of soup.

Basil Garnish

• Top each bowl with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. This simple garnish ties in with the basil flavor in the soup.

How to Perfect Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

Creating the perfect bowl of tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil takes a bit of care. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft to touch.
• Roast garlic thoroughly: Ensure your garlic is golden brown and soft before adding it to the soup. This brings out its sweet, rich flavor.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This will help you achieve a balanced flavor profile.
• Blend well: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for a creamy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

Enjoying tomato soup is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great choices to consider:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic choice that adds comfort and crunch alongside your warm soup.
2. Garlic Bread: Deliciously buttery and garlicky, this bread is perfect for dunking into your tomato soup.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with Caesar dressing offers refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers create a delightful appetizer that echoes the soup’s ingredients.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be prepared ahead of time and filled with rice or quinoa for added heartiness alongside your meal.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits made cheesy add texture and flavor when served warm next to your comforting bowl of soup.
7. Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide healthy fiber and complement the tomato base beautifully.
8. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an enticing side dish that pairs wonderfully with tomato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using unripe tomatoes – Ripe tomatoes are essential for the best flavor. Always choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for a rich taste.
• Not roasting garlic long enough – Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness. Ensure you roast it until soft for a deeper flavor in your soup.
• Skipping the blending step – A smooth texture is key. Don’t skip using an immersion blender for a creamy consistency.
• Overseasoning too early – Adding salt and pepper before tasting can ruin your soup. Season at the end for better control of flavors.
• Ignoring storage guidelines – Proper storage keeps your soup fresh. Follow recommended storage methods to maintain quality.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers to allow for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low on the stovetop, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil.

How can I enhance the flavor of tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil?

Adding additional herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the flavor profile. You might also consider incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used; however, they may alter the taste slightly. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for best results.

What can I serve with tomato soup with roasted garlic and basil?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing! You could also serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

How do I adjust the thickness of my tomato soup?

If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Basil is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish any time of year!