Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, you’ve found it! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. The rich flavors from the roasted tomatoes combined with the fresh basil create a delightful experience that’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cozy family gatherings. Pair it with your favorite grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got a meal that brings everyone together.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and heartwarming taste. It’s a classic that never goes out of style and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup even on hectic days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later!
• Rich flavor: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, giving the soup an incredible depth of flavor.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer or main dish, it fits any occasion or meal plan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully in this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. You might already have some of these at home!

• 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 my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to suit your taste:

• Add some spice: If you like a little heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
• Swap the cream: For a lighter version, try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream; it adds a lovely twist!
• Make it vegan: Omit the butter and heavy cream and replace chicken stock with vegetable stock for a completely plant-based soup.
• Incorporate veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers along with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lay out those beautiful tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for an hour enhances their natural sweetness and gives your soup that deep, rich flavor we all love.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your tomatoes roast away, heat up some oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in your diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until they soften. The key here is to bring out their sweetness before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that will make your soup truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Next up! Add those crushed San Marzano tomatoes, roughly chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer with Stock

Now it’s time to add your roasted tomatoes along with chicken stock into the pot. Let everything simmer for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps develop an even richer flavor profile as everything cooks together.

Step 6: Purée Your Soup

Once it’s done simmering, use an immersion blender to carefully purée the soup until smooth. If you’re using a regular blender or food processor, do this in batches—be cautious not to burn yourself! Return it back to the pot once blended.

Step 7: Stir in Cream

Finally, stir in that luscious heavy cream until fully incorporated. This will give your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup its creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or croutons.

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

For an extra touch of delight, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with olive oil and diced garlic before baking at 400°F for about seven minutes until golden brown—these make wonderful croutons!

Step 9: Serve Up!

Ladle your warm soup into bowls, top with croutons if you made them, and enjoy immediately! It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family and relishing every spoonful together.

And there you have it—a delightful bowl of homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that’s sure to warm your heart!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll take your soup to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil will give your soup an authentic flavor that dried or canned ingredients simply can’t match. It makes all the difference in taste!

• Don’t Rush the Roasting: Allowing your tomatoes to roast for a full hour enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Trust the process—it’s worth it!

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or sugar according to your preference. This personal touch will make the dish uniquely yours.

• Blend Until Smooth: For that luxurious texture, ensure you blend the soup well. A smooth consistency helps all the flavors meld beautifully together.

• Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes wonderfully! Double the recipe and store some for a cozy dinner later on. Just reheat and enjoy!

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 not only add a lovely pop of color but also enhance the fresh basil flavor.

• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle right before serving elevates the richness of the soup and adds an appealing sheen.

• Parmesan Cheese Shavings: If you’re open to dairy, a sprinkle of cheese adds a wonderful salty note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing! The gooeyness of melted cheese between crispy bread is irresistible alongside your warm soup.

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate after each spoonful of rich soup.

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping! The flavors meld deliciously with the tomato basil goodness in your bowl.

• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables offers a nutritious contrast to the creamy soup while adding another layer of flavor.

Now that you’re armed with tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy every warm spoonful of this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for busy days. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you want to avoid the cream from separating, consider adding it just before serving.

Freezing

• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup!

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

Absolutely! While roasted Roma tomatoes add depth, using fresh tomatoes can work too. Just make sure to roast them well for that rich flavor!

How do I make my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, simply let it simmer longer for evaporation, or add a bit more heavy cream or cooked potatoes while blending.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that any bread used for croutons comes from gluten-free sources.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Pair this comforting soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh side salad to create a delightful meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do! It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect addition to your cozy nights. Don’t forget to try those mini croutons—they’re a game changer! Enjoy every spoonful and share this delightful dish with friends and family.