The aroma of sweet, roasted tomatoes wafting through the kitchen can transport me back to sun-drenched summer afternoons spent in the garden. There's something infinitely comforting about a steaming bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, making it a perfect remedy for any chilly night or a quick lunch fix. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this recipe not only promises a deliciously rich flavor but is also incredibly simple to prepare, ensuring you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying. Plus, it's freezer-friendly, allowing you to savor homemade goodness anytime you crave that warm, nostalgic taste. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a haven of delicious aromas? Let's dive into the recipe!
Why is This Soup a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a rich and tasty soup without the hassle.
Cozy Flavor Explosion: The sweet roasted tomatoes combined with fragrant basil deliver a taste that warms the soul.
Versatile Meal Option: Perfect as a cozy dinner on its own or paired with grilled cheese for a delightful lunch.
Effortless Make-Ahead: Roast your tomatoes a day in advance for a quick assembly on busy nights.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is sure to impress family and guests alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
Dive into this culinary delight and transform your home-cooked meals today!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients
Unlock the secret to this cozy bowl!
For the Roasted Tomatoes
- Roma Tomatoes – choose ripe tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – enhances the richness of the roasted tomatoes.
- Kosher Salt – highlights the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
- Ground Black Pepper – adds a subtle kick to your soup.
For the Soup Base
- Unsalted Butter – creates a creamy texture; feel free to substitute with olive oil for a vegan option.
- Yellow Onion – sweat until translucent for a deep, sweet flavor.
- Garlic – use fresh minced garlic for an aromatic boost.
- Fresh Thyme – fresh herbs lend a stronger flavor than dried; however, dried thyme works in a pinch.
- Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes – offers a rich tomato base that’s essential for a delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
- Sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock – adds depth; use your preferred stock for a personalized touch.
For the Creaminess
- Fresh Basil – a fragrant and fresh finishing touch that brightens the soup.
- Heavy Cream – gives a luxurious finish; can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Whip up this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and feel the love in every comforting spoonful!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting, allowing the Roma tomatoes to caramelize beautifully. Take your ripe tomatoes and slice them in half, ensuring each tomato is evenly cut.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes
Drizzle the halved tomatoes generously with extra virgin olive oil, and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the tomatoes cut-side up on a lined baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Roast for about 1 hour, watching for the edges to slightly char and the tomatoes to soften, concentrating their sweetness.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
While the tomatoes are roasting, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, toss in the diced yellow onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. The aroma of the onions will begin to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme into the pot. Sauté these ingredients for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning. The combination will enhance the depth of flavor, guiding you closer to the perfect soup.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes and Basil
After your tomatoes have finished roasting, pull them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer the roasted tomatoes into the pot, along with the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
Step 6: Add Chicken Stock
Once the mixture has simmered, pour in the chicken stock, and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and the soup to develop that rich, comforting essence that makes your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup unforgettable.
Step 7: Purée the Soup
After simmering, it's time to purée the soup for that smooth texture. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend just until combined, keeping some texture.
Step 8: Add Cream and Serve
Finally, stir in the heavy cream, creating a luscious finish that elevates your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Once combined, heat through for a minute before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, creating a delightful presentation ready for your cozy meal.
What to Serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
The perfect accompaniment can elevate your cozy soup experience and create a delightful meal for the senses.
-
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Melty, gooey cheese nestled between crispy, buttery bread creates a classic, comforting pairing that everyone loves.
-
Crusty Baguette: Slice into a fresh baguette to scoop up every last drop of the vibrant soup, adding a satisfying crunch.
-
Garlic Bread: With its fragrant aroma and crisp texture, garlic bread brings an aromatic kick that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
-
Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with seasonal greens offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the warm and hearty soup beautifully.
-
Roasted Vegetable Platter: Colorful, caramelized veggies add a depth of flavor and a nourishing touch, making it a wholesome addition to your meal.
-
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a silky chocolate mousse to finish your meal on a sweet and decadent note—an unexpected yet delightful twist!
Imagine enjoying each spoonful while being surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and lovely aromas. Each pairing brings something unique, so mix and match to create your perfect cozy night in!
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Fridge: Store your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge before reheating. Heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of cream to revive its richness!
Make-Ahead Tip: Roast your tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance and keep the aromatics prepped in the fridge for up to 3 days to streamline the cooking process.
Expert Tips for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
-
Quality Tomatoes: Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor—overripe or underripe tomatoes can affect the sweetness and overall taste of your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
-
Roasting Perfection: Don’t rush the roasting process! Allowing the tomatoes to caramelize for a full hour enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
-
Aromatics Timing: Sauté the garlic and thyme only until fragrant—burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your soup. Keep stirring gently!
-
Creaminess Factor: If you prefer a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free twist without compromising on texture.
-
Make Ahead: Take advantage of the freezer! Portion out cooled Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in airtight containers for busy nights—it retains its flavor beautifully for up to two months.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with these twists that will add your personal touch to this comforting classic!
-
Vegan Delight: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to achieve a creamy texture without dairy.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions for a delightful heat that warms you from the inside out.
-
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or sage for a unique flavor profile that freshens up the classic tomato base.
-
Texture Twist: Stir in a handful of cooked quinoa or lentils for a heartier texture, making your soup even more filling and nutritious.
-
Cheesy Goodness: Mix in some grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta just before serving for an extra layer of flavor that elevates the soup.
-
Roasted Garlic: Roast a whole head of garlic alongside the tomatoes for a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that adds depth and richness.
-
Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of lemon juice or orange zest can brighten up the soup, enhancing the tomato and basil flavors beautifully.
-
Mediterranean Touch: Toss in some chopped olives or sundried tomatoes for a savory twist that transports your taste buds to the Italian coast.
Customize your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup to suit your taste and enjoy the warmth of your own creation!
Make Ahead Options
These Roasted Tomato Basil Soup elements are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can roast your Roma tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance—simply allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain their sweetness. Additionally, the aromatics like onions, garlic, and thyme can be prepped and sautéed up to 3 days ahead; just store them in the fridge until you are ready to mix in the roasted tomatoes. When you're ready to serve, combine everything, simmer, and stir in the heavy cream before enjoying a delicious bowl of soup, just as fresh and flavorful as if you made it that very day!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe tomatoes for this soup?
Absolutely! Look for Roma tomatoes that are bright red, firm, and slightly squishy to the touch. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes, as these may affect the flavor of your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
How should I store the soup, and how long does it last?
Your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure it's completely cooled before sealing. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors for days!
Can I freeze the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
What should I do if the soup is too acidic?
Very good question! If you find the soup too acidic for your taste, simply add a bit more sugar—start with an extra teaspoon and adjust to your liking. Alternatively, a small pinch of baking soda can neutralize acidity; just be cautious as it may alter the flavor.
Is this soup suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can easily modify the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for dietary considerations. For a vegan option, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Additionally, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep it plant-based. Always check for allergies with fresh ingredients.
Easy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for Cozy Nights In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the Roma tomatoes in half.
- Drizzle halved tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, season with kosher salt and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour.
- In a large pot, heat unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme; sauté for an additional minute.
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes into the pot, along with crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken stock, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through before serving.
Leave a Reply