This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a cozy favorite! With rich, sweet tomatoes blended into a creamy base and fresh basil, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
It’s easy to make and perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich! I love how the roasted tomatoes make everything taste extra yummy. You’ll be sipping it all day! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are key for flavor. If you have trouble finding fresh ones, canned whole tomatoes work well too. Just make sure they’re good quality, preferably San Marzano.
Onion: A large yellow onion adds sweetness. For a milder flavor, you can use a sweet onion like Vidalia or even a shallot.
Garlic: Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness. If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount or leave it out entirely.
Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth gives a richer flavor. Homemade or store-bought works; just choose what you prefer!
Cream: For a creamy soup, heavy cream adds richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut milk gives a lovely flavor and is dairy-free. Nut milk can also be a good substitute.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Roasting for My Vegetables?
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in your vegetables. Here’s how to do it well:
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get a nice hot roast.
- Spread the tomatoes, onion, and garlic evenly on a baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than roasting.
- Drizzle with olive oil and don’t skimp on seasoning with salt and pepper. Both help to enhance the flavors.
- Roast until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred, usually 30-40 minutes. This adds a lovely depth to your soup.
Take your time with roasting; it’s worth it for the added flavor!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For Serving:
- Croutons or grilled cheese sandwiches (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes to roast the vegetables. Then you’ll need an additional 10 minutes for blending and simmering. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make this delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, plus a little extra time if you wish to prepare any sides!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to caramelize the tomatoes and enhance their natural sweetness.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
On a large baking sheet, place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss lightly to coat them well.
3. Roast the Vegetables:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for about 30-40 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and get a little charred on the edges, which will add great flavor to your soup!
4. Cool and Peel the Garlic:
Once the roasting is done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully peel the garlic cloves—they should come off easily after roasting.
5. Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatoes, onion, peeled garlic, fresh basil leaves, and the broth. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
6. Heat the Soup:
Pour the blended mixture into a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes and sugar if you’re using them. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld all the flavors.
7. Add Creaminess (if desired):
If you like, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat through gently without letting it boil—this will create a lovely, creamy texture!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves. You can pair it with croutons or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.
Enjoy every spoonful of your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! 🍅🥣
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use canned tomatoes! For this recipe, about 2-3 cans (14.5 ounces each) of whole or diced tomatoes will work well. Simply drain them and proceed with the recipe as written, skipping the roasting step.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, feel free to use dried basil—about 1 tablespoon should suffice. Add it during the simmering step so it has time to rehydrate and infuse its flavor into the soup.
