Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich and deep flavors from roasted tomatoes, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a delightful experience that warms both the heart and the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup can be made by anyone, no culinary skills required!
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, main dish, or paired with your favorite sandwich for lunch or dinner.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also healthy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, gather these essential tools. They will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender (or standard blender)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large baking sheet: A must-have for roasting tomatoes evenly without crowding.
• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soup on low heat while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Immersion blender: Makes puréeing easy, minimizing mess compared to using a standard blender.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

Fresh Ingredients

• 9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)

Pantry Staples

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
• 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

Dairy Products

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This prepares it for roasting those delicious tomatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

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

Step 3: Roast the Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Sauté Onions

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

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté everything together for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Other Ingredients

Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let those flavors meld.

Step 7: Incorporate Stock and Roasted Tomatoes

Next, add your chicken stock along with the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Purée the Soup

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer it to a standard blender in batches to purée before returning it to the pot.

Step 9: Add Cream

Stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. This adds richness to your soup.

Step 10: Make Croutons (Optional)

For mini croutons, cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for around 7 minutes until crisp.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle your warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with croutons if desired. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• A classic pairing that never disappoints; the gooey cheese complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for added flavor and vibrant color, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction

• A touch of balsamic reduction adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory soup, making each spoonful more exciting.

Served with Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping. The texture adds heartiness and makes the meal more satisfying.

Accompanied by Mini Croutons

• Top the soup with homemade mini croutons for an added crunch. Their garlic and herb flavor pairs wonderfully with the rich tomato base.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

To make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will help enhance the flavors and texture of this comforting dish.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes ensures a sweeter, more flavorful soup.
• Don’t skip roasting: Roasting intensifies the tomato flavor and adds depth to your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or sugar to balance acidity according to your preference.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil is key; it brightens up the flavors. Add it at the end for maximum freshness.
• Blend well: For a smooth consistency, blend until fully puréed; this will give your soup a luxurious texture.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   A warm sandwich filled with melted cheese is a timeless favorite that complements tomato soup beautifully.

2. Caprese Salad
   This fresh salad of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds a refreshing note that balances the richness of the soup.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread offers delicious flavors while being perfect for dipping into the soup.

4. Caesar Salad
   Crunchy romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms
   These bite-sized treats filled with cheese or sausage make for an elegant appetizer alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide earthy flavors and textures that complement the tomato basil profile wonderfully.

7. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad can add some substance without overshadowing the main dish’s flavors; toss it simply with olive oil and herbs.

8. Cheese Platter
   Offering an assortment of cheeses allows guests to mix and match bites between their soup and cheese selections, creating a fun tasting experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring the roasting time: Roasting tomatoes is essential for deep flavor. Don’t rush this step; stick to the full hour for optimal results.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes matters. Opt for fresh Roma tomatoes and high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Adequate seasoning is key. Ensure you taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to balance flavors properly.
• Not blending well: A smooth texture enhances the soup’s appeal. Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender to achieve a creamy consistency.
• Neglecting fresh basil: Fresh herbs add brightness. Always use fresh basil instead of dried, as it elevates the soup’s flavor profile significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep for about 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes! While Roma tomatoes are preferred, you can mix in other varieties like beefsteak or heirloom for unique flavors.

How can I make my soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick that complements the roasted flavors.

What should I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic, but you can also pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a delightful meal.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. You can also substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for cozy nights when you’re craving comfort food. It’s versatile and allows room for customization based on your taste. Try it with your favorite bread or make it a full meal with a side salad!