Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, you’ve found it! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is an all-time favorite of mine. Just imagine sinking into your couch with a steaming bowl of this velvety goodness while rain patters against the window. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something comforting and quick, or for family gatherings where everyone will gather around for seconds. This soup truly brings people together!

The best part? The deep, rich flavor of roasted tomatoes paired with fresh basil creates a taste explosion that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and rich flavors of this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
• Make-ahead convenience: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and enjoy later.
• Versatile pairing: Enjoy it with crusty bread or alongside your favorite sandwich for a complete meal.
• Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutritious tomatoes and fresh herbs, this recipe is as healthy as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! These simple, wholesome items are what make this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup not only delicious but also comforting. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 things about this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun ways to change things up:

• Add some heat: If you like a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
• Creamy twist: Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy!
• Extra veggies: Add chopped carrots or bell peppers to the pot for added nutrition and sweetness.
• Herb infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or rosemary to give the soup a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those beautiful tomato halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and creates a depth of flavor that you’ll love. Bake for about an hour until they’re soft and caramelized.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

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 until translucent—about five minutes. This step is crucial because it allows those sweet onion flavors to develop nicely!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant—this makes your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now add crushed tomatoes from your can along with chopped basil and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This helps blend all those lovely flavors together.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock

Pour in your chicken stock along with those roasted tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more layered the flavors become!

Step 6: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or transferring batches to a blender, purée the soup until smooth. Be careful if you’re using a blender; hot soup can splash! Return everything back to the pot.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

Stir in your heavy cream to give that lovely richness we crave in comfort food. Taste it—add more salt or pepper if needed!

Step 8: Crouton Time!

For mini croutons, cut small cubes from bread pieces, toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve It Up

Ladle generous portions into bowls and top each one with those crunchy croutons. Serve immediately while it’s still warm!

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is sure to be loved by everyone who tries it! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you elevate your soup game!

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Opt for ripe Roma tomatoes to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of your soup. Fresh, in-season tomatoes make all the difference!

• Experiment with herbs: While basil is a star ingredient, feel free to add other herbs such as oregano or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. This can bring new dimensions to your soup.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the tomatoes not only intensifies their flavor but also adds a delightful caramelization that enhances the overall taste of the soup. Trust me, it’s worth the hour in the oven!

• Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps it creamy without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.

• Customize thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend less or add more crushed tomatoes. You can also adjust the chicken stock quantity to achieve your desired consistency.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves on top not only look beautiful but also add a burst of aromatic freshness.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving gives a touch of richness and enhances the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese shavings: If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor (and don’t mind dairy), shavings of Parmesan cheese can add a nutty depth that complements the tomatoes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: The classic pairing! Crispy, buttery bread filled with gooey cheese is irresistible alongside this rich soup.
• Garlic bread: Crunchy and flavorful, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your creamy bowl of goodness.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
• Mini croutons: As mentioned in the recipe, homemade croutons are crunchy and delightful, adding texture to each spoonful.

Enjoy this cozy meal that’s sure to warm both hearts and bellies!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for quick meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup expands when frozen.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that might help you out!

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Absolutely! While Roma tomatoes work beautifully due to their flavor and low moisture content, you can experiment with other varieties like beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. Just adjust the roasting time based on their size.

How long does Roasted Tomato Basil Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will last for about 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prep!

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk for a deliciously creamy texture that’s dairy-free.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad. It’s perfect for cozy meals any day of the week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do! Its rich flavor and comforting warmth make it an absolute favorite during chilly nights. With its ease of preparation and versatility, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—everyone deserves a taste of this wonderful comfort food!

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