Looking for a dish that soothes the soul? Try my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! This simple recipe highlights ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and savory seasonings, perfect for any season. You’ll love the cozy aroma as it fills your kitchen. Plus, I offer tips and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this delicious journey and make comfort food you’ll crave again and again!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This soup celebrates the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, making it a delightful choice for any season.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create a comforting bowl of soup that feels gourmet without all the fuss.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap in coconut milk for a creamy vegan option, catering to various dietary preferences.
- Perfect Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it an excellent choice for a cozy meal or a starter at dinner parties.
Ingredients
To make the best roasted tomato basil soup, gather these simple, fresh ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, whole
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a vegan version)
Each ingredient plays a special role in this soup. The ripe tomatoes give it a rich flavor. The onion and garlic add sweetness and depth. Olive oil helps roast the veggies and brings a nice finish. Seasonings like salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes enhance the taste.
For the broth, vegetable broth keeps it light and tasty. The fresh basil adds a burst of green flavor. Balsamic vinegar gives a tangy kick. Finally, heavy cream or coconut milk makes the soup creamy and smooth.
With these ingredients, you can create a comforting and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting. A hot oven helps caramelize the tomatoes and onions, making them sweet and rich.
2. Roasting vegetables
On a large baking sheet, spread out the quartered tomatoes, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle the olive oil over them. Then, sprinkle salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Toss everything together to coat. Roast for about 30-35 minutes. You want the tomatoes to be soft and slightly caramelized. The smell will be amazing!
3. Blending and finalizing the soup
Once the veggies are roasted, take out the baking sheet and let it cool slightly. In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables and their juices with the vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add in the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. Now, blend the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender. If you want a richer flavor, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
These steps will lead you to a warm, comforting bowl of roasted tomato basil soup. Enjoy every spoonful!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Ensuring optimal roasting: Roast your tomatoes, onion, and garlic at 400°F. This high heat brings out their natural sweetness. Spread them out on the baking sheet to allow air flow. This way, they caramelize nicely and don’t steam.
- Blending techniques for smoothness: For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender. It mixes right in the pot. If you use a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly first. Always blend in batches if your blender is small.
- Adjusting seasoning for taste: Taste your soup after blending. You might want to add more salt or pepper. If it feels too acidic, a pinch of sugar can balance it out. Fresh basil adds a nice touch of flavor. Don’t shy away from adding extra if you love it!
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes will greatly influence the flavor of your soup. Opt for the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best results.
- Add Depth with Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and adds a delightful tang. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Customize the Creaminess: For a richer soup, add heavy cream. For a lighter vegan option, use coconut milk. Both will add a lovely creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garnish for Presentation: Serve the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes for an appealing presentation.
Variations
Recipe Adaptations
You can easily change up the roasted tomato basil soup to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
- Vegan version with coconut milk: Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk. This makes the soup creamy without dairy. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the tomatoes.
- Adding spices for extra flavor: Want more kick? Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika. These spices boost the soup's flavor and add warmth. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also spice things up.
- Using different herbs or vegetables: Feel free to swap basil for other herbs. Try parsley or thyme for a new twist. You can also add veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Just roast them with the tomatoes for added depth.
These simple changes keep your soup fresh and exciting. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
Refrigeration and Freezing
How do you store leftovers? After making your roasted tomato basil soup, let it cool. Pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This way, you can enjoy it again!
What are the best containers for freezing? Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. These keep the soup fresh for longer. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container. Soup expands when it freezes.
How do you reheat the soup? To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium until warm. Stir it often for even heating. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your comforting soup!
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They work well in this recipe. Choose whole or diced canned tomatoes for best results. Drain excess liquid for a thicker soup. Roasting the canned tomatoes may not be possible, but you can skip that step. Just heat them with the broth and other ingredients.
What to pair with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread. A grilled cheese sandwich is also a great choice. You can serve a fresh salad on the side for balance. For a twist, add some pesto on top of the soup before serving. It adds a nice flavor and color.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup lasts about five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just stir well to keep it smooth.
This blog post covered everything you need to make delicious roasted tomato basil soup. We talked about the key ingredients, like ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions, from preheating your oven to blending your soup. You also learned tips for smooth texture and tasty seasoning. Variations included vegan options and new flavors. Lastly, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy this comforting soup, and feel free to get creative with it!
