Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish to warm your soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a beloved recipe in my kitchen that never fails to bring joy. The deep, rich flavors from roasting the tomatoes create a comforting bowl that’s perfect not just for busy weeknights but also for family gatherings and chilly weekends. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich, making it an ultimate comfort food duo!

I cherish this recipe because it’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh basil mingling with roasted tomatoes that fills your home with warmth and love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can create a delicious and hearty soup in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good soup, especially when it comes with cheesy bread on the side.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!
• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, giving your soup an irresistible depth of flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. These are staples that you might already have in your pantry or fridge!

Fresh Ingredients

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Aromatics

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)

Pantry Essentials

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp sugar

Canned Goods

• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 2 cups chicken stock

Creamy Touch

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Variations

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.
• Blend in Greens: Add fresh spinach or kale during the simmering stage for added nutrition and color.
• Swap the Cream: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy!
• Herb Medley: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or parsley alongside basil for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread those tomato halves on a baking sheet and drizzle them generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting them for about an hour will deepen their flavor and sweetness—a crucial step that makes all the difference in this soup!

Step 2: Sauté 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 for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step releases the sweetness of the onions—so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant; this is where you’ll get those lovely aromatic notes that make cooking so enjoyable.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Simmer

Now it’s time to add those crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with fresh basil and sugar to your pot. Lower the heat and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to meld those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Mix in Roasted Tomatoes

Carefully add both the roasted tomatoes from earlier along with chicken stock into the pot. Let this mixture simmer for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally—it will become rich and hearty!

Step 6: Blend It Up

Using an immersion blender, purée your soup until silky smooth. If you don’t have one handy, carefully transfer batches into a blender or food processor. Just remember to return everything back into the pot afterward!

Step 7: Stir in Cream

Finally, stir in that luscious heavy cream; this will give your soup its signature creamy texture.

Step 8: Make Mini Croutons

For an extra treat, cut small cubes from some bread, toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and chopped basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Serve It Up!

Top each bowl of soup with those crunchy croutons as soon as you’re ready to serve! Enjoy this cozy delight immediately; I promise it will warm both your heart and tummy!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Making this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a rewarding experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll master it in no time!

• Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your soup hinges on the quality of your tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy Roma tomatoes for the best taste.
• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and brings out a depth of flavor that boiling alone cannot achieve.
• Fresh herbs are key: Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor to your soup. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but nothing compares to fresh!
• Control the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, feel free to reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Blend carefully: When puréeing your soup, be cautious and blend in batches if using a blender. This ensures even consistency without making a mess.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is all about presentation and pairing it with delicious sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves placed on top of each bowl add color and an aromatic touch.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light swirl of extra virgin olive oil just before serving brings out the flavors beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: If you’re not avoiding dairy, freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing! Toasted bread filled with melty cheese creates a comforting contrast to the smooth soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens tossed with a lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp balance to the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping. Its buttery flavor complements the tomato base delightfully.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a hearty side, serve up some roasted seasonal veggies. Their caramelized sweetness pairs wonderfully with the soup’s flavors.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup will not only be delicious but also visually appealing and perfectly paired with satisfying sides! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it to enjoy later. Here’s how to ensure you keep its deliciousness intact.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If possible, store the mini croutons separately to maintain their crunch!

Freezing

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave on defrost mode.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of cream or extra basil before serving for a fresh touch!

FAQs

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

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter version while keeping it creamy.

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! San Marzano crushed tomatoes work wonderfully if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just adjust your roasting time accordingly.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with vitamins from the tomatoes and offers a good amount of healthy fats from olive oil and cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! It’s such a delightful recipe that warms both the heart and soul. The rich flavors from roasting the tomatoes truly elevate this dish. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!