Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, deep flavors from roasted tomatoes, it’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartwarming meal that satisfies all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness, giving the soup an irresistible depth.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, this soup fits right in.
• Comforting Meal: It warms you from the inside out, ideal for chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delightful soup.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Immersion blender (or countertop blender)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting tomatoes to achieve that deep flavor without fuss.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to purée the soup directly in the pot, minimizing cleanup and mess.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that your tomatoes roast evenly and develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting

Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance their taste.

Step 3: Roast Tomatoes

Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Thyme

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté these aromatics for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add crushed tomatoes from the can along with fresh basil and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 7: Incorporate Stock and Roasted Tomatoes

Pour in chicken stock along with your roasted tomatoes. Allow everything to simmer together for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Purée the Soup

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches if needed. Return puréed soup back to the pot.

Step 9: Add Cream

Stir in heavy cream into the soup until well combined. This adds richness that complements the tomato flavor beautifully.

Step 10: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

For added texture, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with some olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve Your Soup

Ladle warm soup into bowls and top with mini croutons if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Serving Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a casual meal or a special occasion. Here are some creative serving ideas to enhance this comforting dish.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• A classic pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches offer a crunchy texture that complements the smooth soup perfectly. Use your favorite cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color. It’s simple yet elegant.

With Mini Croutons

• For added crunch, top your soup with mini croutons made from toasted bread. They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on top can bring out the richness of the tomatoes and add depth to each spoonful.

Served with a Side Salad

• Pairing the soup with a refreshing side salad can balance the richness of the dish. Choose greens like arugula or spinach for a peppery kick.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Perfecting your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.

• Use quality tomatoes: Opt for ripe Roma tomatoes and high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for superior flavor.
• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
• Balance flavors: Adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of sugar can help balance acidity if your tomatoes are too tart.
• Be careful when blending: If using a blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before puréeing in batches to avoid splatter.
• Add cream at the end: Stir in heavy cream after blending for the best texture and creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing side dishes with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options you might consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic choice; use sharp cheddar or gouda for extra flavor.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing side.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.

4. Caesar Salad
   The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a nice crunch that complements the soup’s smoothness.

5. Quinoa Salad
   Light and nutritious, quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy contrast to the creamy soup.

6. Stuffed Peppers
   Vegetarian stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans can be filling and flavorful alongside your soup.

7. Roasted Vegetables
   Simple roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal.

8. Pesto Pasta
   A light pasta tossed in fresh pesto can serve as an exciting companion dish that brings more herbs into play.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using unripe tomatoes: Always choose ripe tomatoes for roasting. They add the best flavor and sweetness to your soup.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting intensifies the tomato flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step if you want a rich taste.
• Overcooking the garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant. Overcooked garlic can turn bitter and ruin your soup’s flavor.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process to enhance flavors.
• Blending too quickly: When puréeing, allow the soup to cool slightly first. This prevents splattering and ensures safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that might help you get the most out of this delicious recipe.

How do I enhance the flavor of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Adding fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can elevate the taste. You may also include a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Yes! Simply replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture without dairy.

What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh salad. These sides complement its rich flavors perfectly.

How long does it take to prepare Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

The total time is about 100 minutes, including prep and cooking time—well worth it for such a comforting dish!

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices based on your preference. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a sandwich, it’s a delightful meal that warms the heart. Give this recipe a try today!