Growing up, the arrival of summer always meant one thing in our household – it was time to make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. The aroma of juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil would fill the air, signaling the start of a cozy culinary adventure. I can still remember the excitement I felt as my mom pulled the bubbling pot from the oven, the rich, velvety broth glistening with droplets of olive oil.
There was just something so utterly satisfying about that first spoonful – the perfect balance of sweetness from the roasted tomatoes, the savory depth of the onions and garlic, and the bright, herbaceous notes of the fresh basil. It was a taste of summer in a bowl, and it always brought a smile to my face.
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Why This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
When it comes to Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, the secret lies in the roasting process. By taking the time to slowly roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic, you unlock a depth of flavor that simply can’t be achieved by simmering them on the stovetop. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, resulting in a rich, almost candy-like sweetness that perfectly complements the savory broth and aromatic basil.
But the real magic happens when you blend everything together. The roasted vegetables transform into a silky, velvety soup, with a texture that’s both comforting and luxurious. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it the ultimate cold-weather comfort food.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe is in its simplicity. The key ingredients are all kitchen staples, but when combined, they create something truly remarkable.
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved: These are the star of the show, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that forms the foundation of the soup.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: The onion adds depth and complexity, lending a savory, aromatic base to the broth.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is an essential ingredient, providing a subtle warmth and pungency that complements the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This high-quality oil helps to caramelize the vegetables during roasting, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the best in the other ingredients, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: The broth provides the liquid base for the soup, allowing the roasted vegetables to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil is a must-have in this recipe, adding a fragrant, herbaceous note that ties the entire dish together.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): A touch of cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup, but it’s perfectly delicious without it as well.
Step-by-Step Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
With a total time of 60 minutes, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe is a breeze to put together. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 400°F and gathering your kitchen tools – a baking sheet, a large pot, and a blender or immersion blender.
1- Begin by halving the 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes and placing them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic around the tomatoes, then drizzle everything with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, making sure to season the vegetables evenly.
2- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and caramelized, and the onions are golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering.
3- Once the roasting is complete, transfer the vegetables to a large pot and add the 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4- Using a blender or an immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when the texture is velvety and the color is a deep, rich red.
5- Stir in the 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, allowing the herb to infuse the soup with its aromatic essence.
6- For an extra touch of indulgence, you can stir in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream (if using). Serve the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup hot, garnished with a few additional basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
- Roast the vegetables at a high temperature (400°F) to achieve the perfect caramelization and depth of flavor.
- Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for the best results. Heirloom or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the broth – try a combination of vegetable and chicken broth for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serving and Storing Your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Perfect Pairings for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting and satisfying lunch or dinner. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a fresh, crisp salad or a hearty main course like roasted chicken or baked salmon.
When it comes to beverages, a glass of dry white wine or a bold red can complement the flavors of the soup beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea or a warm mug of herbal tea make wonderful companions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the kind of dish that only gets better with time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an excellent meal-prep option. Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
For longer-term storage, the soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Creative Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Variations
While this classic Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe is truly a masterpiece, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
- Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup: Add 2-3 roasted red peppers to the mix for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, vibrant color.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Increase the amount of heavy cream to 1/2 cup for an even more luxurious, velvety texture.
- Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup: Toss in some cheese-filled tortellini for a heartier, more substantial soup.
- Tomato Basil Bisque: Blend in a splash of sherry or Marsala wine for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Diet-Friendly
For those looking to enjoy this soup while following a specific dietary plan, there are plenty of options:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
- Vegan: Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened plant-based milk or a cashew-based cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb: Omit the optional heavy cream and serve the soup with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a delicious, keto-friendly meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can substitute 2 (28-ounce) cans of diced or crushed tomatoes. Just skip the roasting step and add the canned tomatoes directly to the pot with the broth.
Q: How long does it take to make this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
A: This recipe has a total time of 60 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cook time. The hands-on time is relatively quick, making this a great option for a weeknight meal.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How many servings does this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a great option for a family or for meal prepping. If you need to adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients up or down accordingly.
Q: What if my soup isn’t as creamy as I’d like?
A: If you’d like a smoother, creamier texture, you can blend the soup for a bit longer or add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream (or plant-based milk for a vegan version) and blend again until desired consistency is achieved.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture and bold tomato-basil flavors of this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. This comforting and easy-to-make soup is the perfect dish for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the tomatoes for 30-35 minutes, until they are softened and starting to caramelize.
4. In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6. Transfer the roasted tomatoes to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
9. Stir in the chopped basil and the heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup hot, garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. For a thicker soup, use less broth or let it simmer for longer to reduce. Adjust the amount of cream based on your desired creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Salads & Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a true culinary treasure, and this recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your kitchen. The combination of sweet, roasted tomatoes, aromatic basil, and savory broth creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a showstopping starter for a dinner party, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate bowl of comfort. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how it turned out – I can’t wait to hear all about your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup adventures!
