Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is just what you need. Picture a rainy day, a comfy blanket, and a bowl of this rich, flavorful soup in your hands. It’s not just a recipe; it’s comfort food at its finest! This dish brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with family, serving it alongside crispy grilled cheese sandwiches. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup will quickly become a cherished favorite.

What makes this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup special is its simplicity and the robust flavor that comes from roasting the tomatoes. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a batch that feels like a warm hug on the inside!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and creates depth in every spoonful.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a good soup, especially when paired with grilled cheese; it’s perfect for both kids and adults!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful soup. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and creating that comforting texture you’ll love.

For the 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

• Add more vegetables: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick that complements the tomato beautifully.
• Swap out the cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
• Fresh herb twist: Try adding fresh oregano or parsley along with the basil for a different herbal note.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those lovely tomato halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle some salt and black pepper over them as well. Roasting these beauties for an hour intensifies their flavor and sweetness—trust me, this step is essential!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Add in your diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent—about 5 minutes. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions; you’ll love how fragrant your kitchen becomes!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until the garlic is fragrant. This step layers flavors beautifully and prepares your base for adding the tomatoes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with your roasted tomatoes from earlier, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it all simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock

Pour in two cups of chicken stock along with any juices from roasting those tomatoes. Let everything simmer together for another 30 minutes; don’t forget to stir occasionally! This will deepen the flavors even further.

Step 6: Purée Your Soup

Once everything is beautifully cooked down, grab an immersion blender or carefully transfer batches to your regular blender to purée until smooth. This gives your soup that creamy texture we all adore!

Step 7: Stir in Cream

After blending, return the soup to your pot if needed and stir in two-thirds cup of heavy cream until well combined. This will give your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup its rich finish!

Step 8: Prepare Mini Croutons

For some added crunch on top, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil then bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown. These make delightful croutons!

Step 9: Serve Warm

Ladle your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup into bowls, sprinkle some mini croutons on top, and serve immediately! Enjoy every soothing bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful experience, and a few tips will help you achieve the best possible flavor and texture!

• Use ripe tomatoes: Opting for fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes enhances the natural sweetness of the soup. The more flavorful your tomatoes, the better your soup will taste!

• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting the tomatoes not only concentrates their flavor but also adds a lovely caramelization that deepens the overall taste of the soup. It’s a simple step that makes a world of difference.

• Blend to your desired texture: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend just half of it. This allows you to enjoy both the creamy richness and some delightful tomato pieces in each spoonful.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or even add more herbs like oregano or basil according to your preference as you cook.

• Make it ahead: This soup can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving this delicious soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal presentation and experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves on top add a pop of color and enhance that fresh basil flavor.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil gives a rich finish and a nice sheen.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): If you’re open to including dairy, freshly grated Parmesan can add savory depth.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing! Use your favorite bread and cheese for gooey goodness that perfectly complements the soup’s richness.

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or artisan sourdough is perfect for dipping into your soup. Its crusty exterior and soft interior provide delightful texture alongside the creamy soup.

• Salad: A light green salad with a citrus dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. Consider using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for color and crunch.

• Stuffed Peppers: These can be made with rice or quinoa, beans, and spices. Their bold flavors add another layer of satisfaction alongside your comforting bowl of tomato basil soup.

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish that warms both heart and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it, and enjoy comforting bowls throughout the week. Here’s how to best handle leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the soup into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious soup.

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

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, just remember to roast them as directed to enhance their flavor. Using Roma tomatoes adds great depth!

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

This soup can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Perfect for meal prep!

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. Enjoy your cozy meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup—it’s truly a labor of love that warms both body and soul! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with family and friends, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to play around with ingredients and make it your own! Happy cooking!