Creamy roasted tomato basil soup is a delightful and comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. This vibrant soup combines the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fragrant essence of fresh basil, creating a creamy texture that leaves you wanting more. Whether served as a cozy meal on a chilly evening or as an elegant starter for a dinner party, this soup brings the flavors of summer to your table all year round.
Why We Love This Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This creamy roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a cherished favorite in many households for its simplicity and rich flavors. The process of roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, making the soup robust and delicious. The addition of fresh basil infuses an aromatic quality that elevates the dish, while the creamy texture creates a satisfying mouthfeel. Easy to make with minimal ingredients, this soup is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accompany a variety of side dishes, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients about Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 12–14 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Directions
To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 C). Doing this in advance will save time and ensure that your tomatoes roast evenly. Next, in a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes with 1/4 cup of olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly-ground black pepper. Toss them gently until they are all coated in the seasonings; this will deepens their flavor when they roast.
Spread the coated tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roasting them for about 35 minutes allows the sugars in the tomatoes to caramelize, enhancing their sweetness and giving the soup a rich flavor. While the tomatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onions, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes.
Once the onions are softened, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Now, it’s time to combine all the flavors! Add the roasted tomatoes from the oven, along with the canned whole peeled tomatoes, torn basil leaves, thyme, and your broth of choice. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 40-50 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
After simmering, it’s time to get smooth! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Once it’s silky and creamy, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Lastly, serve your delicious soup in warm bowls. You can drizzle some olive oil on top for added richness, and garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Serving creamy roasted tomato basil soup can be as delightful as preparing it. To create a cozy and inviting meal, ladle the hot soup into warm bowls. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider using rustic or handcrafted bowls that make the colors of the soup pop. You can garnish each bowl with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a generous handful of fresh basil, or even a dash of freshly ground black pepper for a bit of extra flair.
Pair the soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combination that many adore. The crunchy texture of toasted bread or the gooeyness of melted cheese wonderfully complements the creamy soup. For a lighter meal, consider serving a side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. This contrast will balance the richness of the soup beautifully.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, you could also serve small cups of soup as an appetizer, giving your guests a warm and elegant welcome. Remember to have plenty of napkins on hand, as this dish is simply irresistible!
Expert Tips: Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. The quality of your ingredients shines through in this simple recipe.
- Roast the Tomatoes Well: Don’t rush the roasting process. Let the tomatoes develop a rich, caramelized color, which adds depth to your soup.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more broth or water after blending to reach your desired consistency.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Let it Rest: Sometimes, letting the soup sit for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator can deepen the flavors, making it even tastier when reheated.
- Storage Tips: Be sure to cool the soup completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week.
How to Store Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Storing your creamy roasted tomato basil soup is simple and important for enjoying it at a later date. After you’ve made the soup, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. When it’s cooled down, transfer the soup into airtight containers. It’s best to separate the soup into single-serving portions for convenience when reheating.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure that you label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness. If you want to store it for even longer, consider freezing it. The soup freezes well for up to three months. When ready to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variation of Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy roasted tomato basil soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your tastes. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Add Cream: For extra creaminess, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream after blending the soup for a velvety texture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! Adding fresh oregano or parsley can introduce new flavor dimensions.
- Spicy Version: For spice lovers, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. This will give your soup a kick!
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in some cream cheese or shredded mozzarella at the end for a cheesy version. This adds richness and flavor that many will enjoy.
- Roasted Garlic: For a deeper flavor, roast extra garlic with the tomatoes. This will give your soup a robust garlic flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Chickpeas or Lentils: Consider adding canned chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost. This will make the soup heartier and even more satisfying.
FAQ
What is Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Creamy roasted tomato basil soup is a rich and thick soup made primarily from roasted fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh basil. It is blended to create a smooth, creamy texture that is both comforting and delicious.
How can I make the soup vegan?
You can easily make this soup vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting any dairy-based toppings like Parmesan cheese.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned whole peeled tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to roast the fresh tomatoes for flavor, and you can still get a fantastic soup.
What can I serve with Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer in small portions at a dinner party.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can modify the spice level to your liking by varying the amount of red pepper flakes you use. For a milder soup, use less or omit them altogether, or if you love heat, increase the quantity!
Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
Tomatoes and Flavor Base
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly torn Fresh basil enhances the flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Plus 2 tablespoons for cooking.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 12-14 cranks freshly-ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes For a bit of heat.
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes Can substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth Vegetable broth for a vegan option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Spread the coated tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 35 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and stir occasionally until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the roasted tomatoes, canned tomatoes, torn basil leaves, thyme, and broth into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 40-50 minutes.
Blending
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend until silky.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary.
Serving
- Serve the soup hot in warm bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
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