Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a warm and comforting dish featuring perfectly roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onions blended into a smooth, flavorful soup. Infused with fresh basil and optionally enriched with cream, it offers a balanced blend of sweetness, acidity, and aromatic freshness. Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and highlights the natural richness of ripe tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma or vine-ripened)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them in half to ensure even roasting and enhance flavor extraction.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine halved tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and sugar. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the tomato mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking and ensure uniform roasting.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they are soft and edges are slightly charred, enhancing the smoky flavor.
- Cool and Transfer: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic into a large pot.
- Add Broth and Blend: Pour in vegetable broth and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer Soup: Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Add Basil and Cream: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in fresh basil leaves and the optional cream to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Remove the soup from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream or omit the cream entirely.
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened for best taste and sweetness.
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and gives the soup a smoky depth.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by varying the amount of broth used or cooking time.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
