Warm your soul with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. This dish is perfect for chilly nights and busy days. With simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, you can make a hearty meal in no time. I’ll guide you through every step, from roasting to serving. Join me as we dive into this comforting recipe that brightens any table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe beautifully captures the essence of summer with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a vibrant and delicious dish.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting soup that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit dietary preferences, whether you opt for heavy cream or a vegan coconut cream.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The main ingredients create a rich and tasty base for the soup. The ripe tomatoes bring sweetness. The onion adds depth, while garlic gives a warm kick. Olive oil helps in roasting and adds a lovely flavor. Don't skip the salt and pepper; they enhance all the tastes.
Additional Flavoring Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
The additional ingredients take the soup to a new level. Balsamic vinegar adds brightness and tang. Fresh basil gives a fragrant touch and makes the soup feel fresh. Vegetable broth enriches the soup, while cream makes it creamy and smooth. You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a vegan option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grab a baking sheet and place the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves on it.
Roasting Ingredients
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil.
- Season them with salt and pepper.
- Toss the veggies lightly to coat them well.
- Roast everything in the oven for 30-35 minutes. You'll know they are ready when the tomatoes caramelize and the onions become soft.
Blending Soup
- Once the veggies are roasted, let them cool for a bit.
- Peel the garlic; it should be soft and easy to handle.
- In a large pot, combine the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, vegetable broth, and fresh basil.
- Heat this mixture over medium heat until it simmers.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have one, you can use a countertop blender. Just be careful with hot liquids!
- After blending, return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat it through and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips & Tricks
Perfect Roasting Techniques
Roasting tomatoes makes them sweet and rich. I suggest you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the tomatoes caramelize well. Spread the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and unpeeled garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat.
Roast them for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the tomatoes to be soft and a bit browned. This caramelization adds depth to the soup's flavor. Keep an eye on them; they should not burn.
Blending Options
For blending, you can use either an immersion blender or a countertop blender. An immersion blender is quick and easy. You can blend the soup right in the pot. A countertop blender makes it super smooth but be careful with hot liquids.
If using a countertop blender, fill it halfway. Hot soup can splatter! Always remove the center cap and cover with a towel. This keeps steam from building up.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. I like to garnish it with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice touch too.
Pair it with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. These sides make the meal even more comforting. Enjoy your delicious bowl of roasted tomato basil bliss!
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Selecting the ripest tomatoes will enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor in your soup.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Roasting garlic in its skin mellows its flavor significantly, adding a rich creaminess to the soup.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with Flair: Fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil not only enhance the presentation but also elevate the flavor profile.
Variations
Vegan Alternative
To make this soup vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream gives a rich, creamy texture without dairy. It also adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with tomatoes. Just stir it in at the end, just like you would with heavy cream. This change keeps the soup smooth and adds a lovely flavor twist.
Additional Flavor Tweaks
You can add roasted red peppers to the mix for a smoky taste. Chopping them up and blending them in gives a nice depth. Spices like paprika also work well. They add warmth without overpowering the dish. For a cheesy twist, consider stirring in some grated parmesan or mozzarella after blending. This will create a richer flavor and melt beautifully into the soup.
Pairing Variations
To enhance your soup experience, serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. These sides complement the soup’s warmth and flavor. A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette also pairs nicely. You could add appetizers like bruschetta or caprese skewers for a more complete meal. These pairings will make your soup night feel extra special!
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your roasted tomato basil soup fresh, choose the right containers. Airtight glass jars work best. They keep the soup safe and let you see the bright color. If you use plastic, ensure it is BPA-free.
For storing in the fridge, let the soup cool first. Pour it into your chosen container. Seal it tightly. This method helps keep out air and moisture. If you want to save it for longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Tips
When you are ready to enjoy your soup, you want to reheat it right. The best method is to use the stove. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture smooth.
If you are short on time, you can use the microwave. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for one minute, stir, then heat again in short bursts until hot.
Shelf Life
Roasted tomato basil soup lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage. If it has a strange smell or color, do not eat it. When frozen, the soup can last up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you will know when to use it.
FAQs
What is the best way to serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
I love to serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with a few simple garnishes. You can add a drizzle of olive oil on top. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also adds flavor. Fresh basil leaves work great as a garnish too. For sides, crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches make the meal cozy. Pairing the soup with a light salad can add freshness.
Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. First, let the soup cool completely. Pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label and date each container. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup healthy?
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is quite healthy. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K. They also contain antioxidants that are good for your body. Basil adds flavor and nutrients without extra calories. The soup has about 250 calories per serving with cream. You can use coconut cream for a lighter version. This soup is a tasty way to enjoy fresh ingredients.
This blog post taught you how to make delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. You learned about key ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Roasting adds great flavor. Then, blending creates a smooth texture. Don't forget to try the tips for roasting and serving! You can even customize the recipe with vegan options. Remember, proper storage keeps your soup fresh. Enjoy every spoonful and share it with friends. Your cooking skills will impress everyone!
