Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, the aroma of roasted tomato basil soup wafting through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The vibrant red of ripe tomatoes meets the bright green of fresh basil, promising a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. This isn’t just any soup; it’s the culinary equivalent of a comforting blanket on a chilly evening.
Now picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon. You’ve got your favorite sweatpants on, and your best friend is curled up on the couch with a movie marathon planned. What better way to enjoy this day than with a steaming bowl of roasted tomato basil soup? Trust me; it’s not just food; it’s an experience that will make your taste buds sing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This roasted tomato basil soup is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends
- Bursting with rich flavors and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
- The aroma alone will entice even the pickiest eaters to join in
- Best of all, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings!
I still remember the first time I made this roasted tomato basil soup; my family couldn’t stop raving about it. They practically licked their bowls clean while trying to guess my secret ingredient.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor; they are the heart of our soup.
Fresh Basil: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add that aromatic touch we all love.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; slice it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must—3-4 cloves minced will elevate your flavor game!
Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for roasting; it enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
Sugar: A pinch balances acidity; don’t skip this step unless you enjoy tartness!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; add them to taste for that perfect finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the fresh tomatoes and place them cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add Aromatics and Roast: Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle chopped onions and garlic around them. Season generously with salt, pepper, and sugar. Roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
Blend It Up!: Once roasted, transfer everything into a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Add vegetable broth gradually until desired consistency is achieved—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice!
Add Fresh Basil: Toss in fresh basil leaves after blending for that refreshing kick! Blend again briefly to incorporate without losing all those beautiful green flecks.
Heat and Serve!: Pour the blended soup back into a pot over medium heat. Warm through but don’t boil—just enough to heat things up!
Garnish and Enjoy!: Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional basil or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!
With these simple steps, you’ll have yourself a delightful bowl of roasted tomato basil soup ready to conquer any cold day or elevate any gathering!
So grab your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and let’s get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you later!
You Must Know
- Roasted tomato basil soup is not just delicious; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The vibrant flavors are perfect for chilly days, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese, making it an instant comfort food classic
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting your tomatoes and garlic to enhance their natural sweetness. While they roast, sauté onions and carrots for added depth before blending everything together for a silky texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs like thyme or oregano for variety. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang, and you can even toss in some cream for extra richness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain that smooth texture—microwaving makes it too hot too fast!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; they provide the dish’s foundation
- If using canned tomatoes, opt for whole peeled ones packed in juice instead of puree
- Adjust seasoning after blending, as flavors deepen during cooking
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where we would make soup on rainy afternoons—her laughter and the aroma always filled our hearts with warmth.
FAQ
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes work beautifully when fresh ones aren’t available.
How do I make this soup vegan?
Simply omit any dairy and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze roasted tomato basil soup?
Absolutely! It freezes well; just ensure it’s cooled completely before storing.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With its rich, savory flavors and vibrant colors, this soup offers a delightful experience for your taste buds. Perfect for chilly days or cozy movie marathons, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite herbs or toppings. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling warm and content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place halved tomatoes cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes; add chopped onions and minced garlic around them. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
- Transfer roasted ingredients to a blender; gradually add vegetable broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Add fresh basil leaves and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Heat the blended soup in a pot over medium heat without boiling.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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