Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, this soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes with fragrant basil, creating a rich flavor profile. It pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. The unique roasting technique enhances the tomatoes, ensuring every spoonful is packed with deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds depth to the soup.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions, this recipe allows anyone to create a comforting dish without hassle.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a starter, main course, or paired with your favorite sandwich for a satisfying meal.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this soup is both nutritious and flavorful.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Baking sheet
• Immersion blender (or standard blender)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This allows you to sauté ingredients evenly and simmer the soup without spilling.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting tomatoes, ensuring they caramelize nicely.
• Immersion blender: Makes pureeing the soup easy without transferring it in batches.

Ingredients

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup features simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

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

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 & Stock

• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
• 2 cups chicken stock

Creamy Finish

• 2/3 cup heavy cream

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This will prepare it for roasting the tomatoes.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes for Roasting

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

Step 3: Roast Tomatoes

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

Step 4: Sauté Onion

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

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 7: Add Stock and Roasted Tomatoes

Pour in chicken stock along with the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Purée the Soup

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer carefully to a standard blender in batches if needed. Return puréed soup to the pot.

Step 9: Stir in Cream

Add heavy cream to the soup and stir well until combined.

Step 10: Make Mini Croutons

Cut small pieces of bread into cubes. Toss them with a little olive oil, diced garlic, and basil before baking at 400°F for about 7 minutes until crispy.

Step 11: Serve

Top each bowl of soup with mini croutons before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul. Here are some delightful ways to serve it for an unforgettable meal.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

• Pairing this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich creates a perfect combination. The crispy, buttery bread complements the creamy soup beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Basil

• Garnishing your soup with fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor. Simply sprinkle some chopped basil on top before serving.

Accompanied by Mini Croutons

• Adding homemade mini croutons brings crunch to your meal. These crispy bites enhance the texture and flavor of the soup.

Served with a Side Salad

• A light salad balances the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette for freshness.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in a bread bowl. This not only looks impressive but also gives you delicious bread to enjoy with each spoonful.

Drizzled with Balsamic Reduction

• A drizzle of balsamic reduction elevates the flavor profile. It adds sweetness and tanginess that pairs well with roasted tomatoes.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

To make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs provide the best flavor and aroma.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
• Blend thoroughly: Ensure a smooth texture by blending until there are no lumps left in the soup.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like crushed red pepper for heat or oregano for depth.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can enhance its flavors.
• Store properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Complementing your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   A classic choice that pairs perfectly with tomato basil soup, providing comfort and satisfaction.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a fresh contrast to the warm soup.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crunchy garlic bread is great for dipping into the delicious soup, adding flavor and texture.

4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light side that mirrors flavors in your soup.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Savory stuffed peppers can be filling and add variety without overpowering the main dish.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables provides additional nutrients and complements the soup’s taste.

7. Pasta Salad
   A light pasta salad with herbs can offer a refreshing balance alongside your comforting bowl of soup.

8. Cheese Board
   Create a simple cheese board featuring crusty bread, cured meats, and assorted cheeses for an elegant touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not using fresh basil: Fresh basil is essential for a vibrant flavor. Dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic quality, so always opt for fresh when possible.
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a rich soup.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it just until fragrant, about a minute, to avoid ruining your soup’s taste.
• Ignoring seasoning: Proper seasoning can elevate your dish. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Rushing the blending process: Allow the soup to cool slightly before blending. This prevents splattering and helps achieve a smooth consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that can help you perfect this recipe.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Adding herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the soup’s flavor profile, providing extra depth alongside the basil.

Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version that maintains creaminess.

What can I serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are classic pairings. You could also serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for added texture.

How long does Roasted Tomato Basil Soup last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple ingredients come together for such delightful flavors!