If you’re craving a bowl of warm comfort that feels like a hug in liquid form, the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This soup is all about showcasing the rich sweetness of perfectly roasted tomatoes, enhanced by the fragrant freshness of basil and a subtle touch of garlic and herbs. It delivers vibrant color, deep flavors, and a luxuriously creamy texture that’s sure to brighten your meal and soothe your soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual lunch, this recipe is a true go-to that transforms humble ingredients into something magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. Each component has a role, from bringing sweetness and tang to adding aroma, body, and creaminess. You’ll find the list wonderfully simple and accessible, yet each item is essential to achieving that unforgettable flavor profile.
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved: The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered: Adds a mellow, savory depth when roasted.
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled: Roasting mellows garlic into a nutty, aromatic delight.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps caramelize the veggies and enriches the soup’s body.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a subtle earthiness that complements the basil.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Gives the soup a smooth, savory base without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed: The fresh herbaceous note that makes this recipe sing.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): Adds luscious creaminess and softens the acidity for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roasting the Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, because roasting is where the magic begins. Spread your halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano evenly over top. Toss everything gently to coat each piece with that glorious seasoning and oil, then pop it in the oven. Roast for about 35 to 40 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized at the edges. This slow roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that’s absolutely essential to the final soup.
Step 2: Simmering the Soup Base
Once your roasted vegetables are beautifully tender and fragrant, carefully transfer them along with all the tasty juices into a large pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to marry all the flavors together. This simmering step is gentle but crucial, allowing the herbs and roasted veggies to infuse the broth with their essence, creating a rich and harmonious base for your soup.
Step 3: Blending to Perfection
Remove the pot from heat and grab your immersion blender or transfer the contents carefully to a countertop blender. Blend until the soup is perfectly smooth and velvety, transforming the roasted chunks into a luscious liquid. At this stage, stir in the fresh basil leaves and blend just briefly to infuse the soup with that garden-fresh brightness without losing the texture. If you’re using heavy cream, pour it in now and mix until beautifully combined. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—this is your moment to tailor the soup exactly to your liking.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Giving your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe a finishing touch with the right garnishes adds an extra layer of flavor and a pop of charm. Consider a swirl of cream or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for creaminess and shine. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs provide that irresistible aroma just before serving. For a bit of texture, toasted croutons or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add delightful contrast that makes every spoonful a treat.
Side Dishes
This soup is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right side elevates the entire meal. A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting companion, its gooey, buttery goodness perfectly balancing the tangy tomato flavor. Crusty artisan bread or a warm baguette is also ideal for dipping and scooping. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch alongside the warm soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add a bit of whimsy to your meal? Serve the soup in charming mini bread bowls for an edible container that’s as fun as it is delicious. Layer the soup in clear glasses topped with dollops of crème fraîche and basil chiffonade for a colorful appetizer or party offering. You can also turn the roasted tomato basil soup into a chilled gazpacho-style dish for warmer days by skipping the simmering—blend it cold and serve with ice-cold cucumber ribbons or microgreens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is as good as fresh and sometimes tastes even better with a day in the fridge where the flavors meld deeply. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and check the seasoning—to keep it vibrant, you might want to freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon or a few fresh basil leaves.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is a smart way to always have a comforting meal on hand. Cool the soup completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor. To avoid separation, leave cream out when freezing and add it fresh after reheating. Label your container with the date so you can enjoy it at your convenience within the best timeframe.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or frozen Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. If you froze the soup without cream, add it in now to restore that silky texture. Reheating slowly is the key to preserving the delicate roasted flavors and creamy richness you love.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the heavy cream or swap it for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream. The soup still tastes incredible because the roasting brings out a natural richness that doesn’t rely on dairy.
What kind of tomatoes work best for this soup?
Ripe, flavorful tomatoes are the way to go. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they have fewer seeds and less water, concentrating their sweetness and making the roasting process easier. However, any ripe tomatoes will work beautifully.
Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil imparts the brightest, freshest flavor, so it’s highly recommended for this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. If you only have dried basil, add it during the simmering step so it can rehydrate and release its flavor, but know the soup won’t be quite as vibrant.
Can I roast the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, roasting the tomatoes, onion, and garlic ahead can save you time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours and continue with the simmering and blending steps when ready. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy days.
What can I serve with this soup for a hearty meal?
This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese, crusty bread, or a warm panini. For an even heartier meal, add a side salad with protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas, avocado, or nuts to round out the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe enough for anyone wanting an impressive yet simple homemade soup that hits all the right notes. It’s vibrant, comforting, and full of fresh flavors that feel wholesome and satisfying any time of year. So grab those tomatoes, preheat that oven, and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be creating a bowl of cozy happiness that you and everyone around you will adore.
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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made by roasting ripe tomatoes, onion, and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness, then blending them with fresh basil and a touch of cream for a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for a cozy meal, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Seasonings & Liquids
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet.
- Season and roast. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Toss gently to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Simmer the roasted vegetables. Transfer the roasted vegetables, including any juices from the baking sheet, to a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Blend the soup. Remove the pot from heat and, using an immersion blender or countertop blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Add basil and cream. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and blend briefly again to incorporate. If desired, add the heavy cream and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve. Serve the soup warm, paired nicely with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, omit the heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk.
- This soup pairs excellently with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty artisan bread.
- Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best taste.
