Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family. The deep, rich flavor from roasting the tomatoes elevates this classic soup, making it a standout choice. Whether paired with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich or enjoyed on its own, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes creates a deep, savory taste that enhances the overall dish.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can prepare this comforting soup without hassle.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfectly complements sandwiches, salads, or can be served as a standalone meal.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone will love this delicious soup!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and holding all your delicious ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easy without transferring it to another container.

Ingredients

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate in comfort. Roasting the tomatoes gives the soup a deep, rich flavor. And over-the-top good with grilled cheese sandwiches.

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 ensures the tomatoes roast evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Roast Tomatoes

Roast tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

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

Step 6: Combine Ingredients in Pot

Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, roughly chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes so flavors meld together.

Step 7: Simmer with Stock

Introduce roasted tomatoes to the pot along with chicken stock. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Blend the Soup

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer in batches and then return it back to the pot.

Step 9: Stir in Cream

Add heavy cream to the blended mixture and stir well until combined.

Step 10: Make Mini Croutons (Optional)

Cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss with oil, diced garlic, and basil; bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve Your Soup

Ladle soup into bowls and top with homemade croutons if desired. Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is wonderfully versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and make it even more comforting.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• The classic pairing of grilled cheese complements the creamy texture of the soup perfectly, making for a satisfying meal.

Topped with Croutons

• Adding mini croutons provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup, enhancing each spoonful.

With a Side Salad

• A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the soup.

Served with Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread is an excellent choice for dipping. The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs well with the savory notes of roasted tomatoes.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also makes for an edible serving dish!

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Creating the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup requires attention to detail and a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your soup-making skills.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs elevate the flavor significantly, ensuring a vibrant taste.
• Roast longer for depth: Roasting tomatoes for an extended time brings out their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor.
• Blend thoroughly: Make sure to purée until smooth. This creates a creamy texture that is essential for this comforting soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices like paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you prefer some heat.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with the right side dishes can take your meal from great to unforgettable. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic sandwich made with gooey cheese, perfect for dipping into your warm soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to the soup’s warmth.

3. Pesto Pasta
   A light pasta tossed in pesto complements the basil notes in the soup beautifully.

4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
   These fluffy biscuits provide a cheesy bite that pairs perfectly when dipped in tomato basil goodness.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese or herbs make for an elegant finger food alongside the soup.

6. Zucchini Fritters
   Lightly fried zucchini fritters offer a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the roasting step: Skipping the roasting process can result in a soup lacking depth. Make sure to roast your tomatoes for that rich flavor.
• Not using fresh basil: Dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant taste. Always opt for fresh basil for the best results.
• Overcooking the garlic: Overcooked garlic can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to properly season can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Not blending enough: Leaving chunks in the soup will affect its creaminess. Blend thoroughly until smooth for a luxurious texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label containers with dates.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

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

Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine can elevate the flavors significantly.

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can experiment with various tomato types, but Roma tomatoes give the best results due to their low moisture content.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh garden salad.

Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s low in calories and packed with nutrients from tomatoes and basil.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and use olive oil instead of butter.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a warm bowl that brings joy and satisfaction!