The aroma of roasted tomatoes filled my kitchen the other day, promising a comforting meal. Nothing beats a bowl of warm tomato soup, especially when it’s homemade with roasted tomatoes! It’s a dish that satisfies the soul, warms you from the inside out, and is surprisingly simple to make. This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup has become a weeknight staple in our home, and I’m excited to share my recipe with you.
This soup starts with roasting Roma tomatoes, which intensifies their sweetness and creates a deep, rich flavor base. The addition of fresh basil brightens things up, and a touch of cream adds a luxurious touch. Trust me; this soup is far better than anything you’d get from a can!
Why You’ll Love It
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Flavor Bomb: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, creating a rich and complex flavor that is unmatched by soups made with unroasted tomatoes.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and can be easily adapted to your preferences.
- Versatile: This soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides, from grilled cheese sandwiches to crusty bread.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is surprisingly simple to make with roasted Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and gives the soup a rich, deep flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch. Garnish with mini croutons and fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
- Ripe Roma tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Fresh thyme
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sugar
- Mini croutons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice tomatoes, arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about an hour.
- Sauté diced onion in olive oil or butter until softened. Add minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, then blend until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through. Garnish with mini croutons and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more broth if needed. For a richer flavor, use homemade stock. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup relies on simple, fresh ingredients to create an explosion of flavor. Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, while the basil adds a fresh, herbal touch. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ripe Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are the classic choice for roasting, but you can experiment with other varieties like heirloom or San Marzano tomatoes for a unique flavor profile.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic create the fragrant base of the soup, building layers of savory depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil is essential for that signature bright flavor. A touch of thyme adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth provides the liquid base for the soup, while heavy cream adds a velvety richness.
- Olive Oil and Butter: These fats not only help sauté the aromatics but also add richness and body to the final soup.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice your tomatoes lengthwise, arrange them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about an hour, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the tomatoes are roasting, heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another minute.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Add the crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Simmer and Blend
Add the chicken stock and roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Garnish with the mini croutons and fresh basil before serving.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For an even smokier flavor, try roasting your tomatoes under the broiler for a few minutes after they’ve roasted in the oven. This adds a depth of flavor.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. If you like a tangier soup, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- If you’re short on time, use good quality canned roasted tomatoes. While fresh is always best, canned tomatoes can be a convenient shortcut.
- Try making our delicious lunch menu including our roasted tomato basil soup recipe for a perfect lunch time treat!
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Dreamy: For an extra-creamy soup, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone before serving.
- Herby Goodness: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or rosemary for unique flavor combinations. Consider adding a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- For other delicious recipes, try our Breakfast recipes and enjoy more delicious home cooking.
What type of tomatoes are best for roasting?
Fresh Roma tomatoes are ideal for roasting due to their firm texture and robust flavor. However, other varieties like heirloom tomatoes or plum tomatoes can also be used.
How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken stock with vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delightful.
Are there any other toppings besides the croutons?
To add an extra layer of richness, consider adding a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of pesto before serving.
How to Serve
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a light lunch with a crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich. Try this soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, and I guarantee it will become your go-to comfort food combination. For more serving suggestions, explore our Desserts category, which offers sweet treats that complement this savory delight.
That’s a Wrap
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a simple soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect dish to savor on a chilly evening or enjoy as a light yet satisfying lunch. The roasted tomatoes add a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. And don’t forget those mini croutons for a delightful crunch! I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Share a bowl with loved ones and create memories around the table. Be sure to try this recipe soon and share your results! Check out our Dinner recipes for more delicious meals like this one. Find me on Pinterest , Instagram , and Facebook for more recipe inspiration!
