Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Perfection

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of tomato soup on a chilly day? Imagine the rich, sweet flavor of roasted tomatoes mingling with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil. This isn’t your average canned soup; this is an experience!

Tomato soup has been a culinary staple for generations, evolving from simple broths to the creamy, flavorful concoctions we enjoy today. In many cultures, tomatoes symbolize prosperity and good health, making this soup not just a meal, but a symbol of well-being. The addition of basil elevates the dish, adding a touch of Italian sunshine to every spoonful.

People adore Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for its incredible depth of flavor. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a base that’s both vibrant and satisfying. The creamy texture, often achieved with a touch of cream or coconut milk, adds a luxurious feel. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or even as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. It’s easy to make, relatively quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to discover the magic of homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes: 3 pounds, Roma or plum tomatoes preferred, halved lengthwise
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• Garlic: 6 cloves, peeled
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin
• Fresh Basil: 1/2 cup, packed, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
• Vegetable Broth: 4 cups, low sodium
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (optional, for creamier soup)
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Crusty Bread: For serving (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional)

Roasting the Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The key to this soup’s amazing flavor is roasting the tomatoes and onions. This brings out their natural sweetness and creates a depth of flavor you just can’t get any other way. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the vegetables in. This ensures even roasting.
2. Prepare the vegetables. Halve the tomatoes lengthwise and quarter the onion. Peel the garlic cloves. No need to mince or chop the garlic at this stage; they’ll soften up beautifully in the oven.
3. Toss with olive oil and seasonings. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the olive oil. Make sure everything is well coated. Then, season generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Don’t be shy with the salt; it really helps to bring out the flavors.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. You might need two baking sheets if you have a lot of tomatoes. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will steam them instead of roasting them.
5. Roast in the oven. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized. The edges should be slightly browned. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to brown too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly.

Blending the Soup

Now that the vegetables are roasted to perfection, it’s time to blend them into a creamy, dreamy soup!

1. Let the vegetables cool slightly. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them easier to handle and prevent splattering when you blend them.
2. Transfer to a blender or food processor. Carefully transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender.
3. Add the fresh basil. Add the roughly chopped fresh basil to the blender. The basil will add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
4. Blend until smooth. Blend until the soup is completely smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids, as the steam can build up pressure in the blender. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to high. If you’re using a regular blender, you might want to vent the lid slightly to allow steam to escape.

Simmering and Finishing the Soup

Almost there! Now we just need to simmer the soup to deepen the flavors and add the finishing touches.

1. Transfer the soup to a pot. Pour the blended soup into a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the vegetable broth. Stir in the vegetable broth. This will thin out the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use less broth.
3. Simmer the soup. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. Stir in the heavy cream (optional). If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will make the soup extra creamy and rich.
5. Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity, while the sugar helps to balance the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste. This is the most important step! Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a touch more balsamic vinegar? Don’t be afraid to experiment until you get it just right.

Serving Suggestions

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
• Garnish with fresh basil. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with crusty bread. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough bread would be perfect.
• Top with Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, savory flavor.
• Add a swirl of cream. Drizzle a swirl of heavy cream or sour cream on top for an extra touch of richness.
• Grilled Cheese Croutons: Cut grilled cheese sandwiches into small squares and float them on top of the soup.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, and a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something truly special. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve with canned tomatoes or a quick stovetop simmer. The basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich tomato base, making each spoonful an absolute delight.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I adore it served simply with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, there are so many ways to customize this soup to your liking. For a heartier meal, try adding grilled cheese croutons – simply cut grilled cheese sandwiches into bite-sized squares and float them on top. They add a cheesy, comforting element that’s simply irresistible. You could also swirl in a dollop of pesto for an extra burst of basil flavor, or a spoonful of crème fraîche or sour cream for added richness and tang.

If you’re looking for variations, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or blending in some roasted garlic for a deeper, more complex flavor. For a vegan option, simply omit the crème fraîche or sour cream and use a high-quality olive oil for drizzling. You can also add other roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to enhance the flavor profile even further. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve made this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer for a dinner party. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those end-of-summer tomatoes before they’re gone. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make?

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or simply tell a friend about it. Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to delicious food! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking!

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