Roasted Tomato Basil Soup – sweet dreams kitchen

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate in comfort. The rich flavor from roasting the tomatoes makes this soup perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a delightful meal that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful soup.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It’s great for lunch or dinner!
Healthy Option: Packed with fresh ingredients and low in calories, this soup is a nutritious choice.
Perfect Pairing: It complements sandwiches and salads beautifully, making it a great option for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Baking sheet
Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: These provide ample space for cooking and allow even heat distribution.
Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting the tomatoes evenly without overcrowding them.
Immersion blender: Makes puréeing the soup easy without transferring it to another container.

Ingredients

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup requires fresh ingredients that come together for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Fresh Ingredients

9 Roma tomatoes (sliced lengthwise)
1 cup basil (fresh, roughly chopped)

Pantry Staples

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 yellow onion (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp fresh thyme (minced)
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
1 tbsp sugar
2 cups chicken stock
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 ensure that your tomatoes roast perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

Spread the sliced Roma tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Roast the Tomatoes

Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 1 hour. This step is crucial as it intensifies their flavor. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

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 translucent.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

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

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, and sugar into the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 7: Incorporate Roasted Tomatoes

Add both roasted tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot. Let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Purée the Soup

Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches to a standard blender or food processor.

Step 9: Finish with Cream

Return the puréed soup to the pot if using a regular blender. Stir in heavy cream until well combined.

Step 10: Make Mini Croutons

To create mini croutons, cut small pieces of bread into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, add diced garlic and basil, then bake at 400°F for about 7 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with croutons before serving immediately! Enjoy this delightful Roasted Tomato Basil Soup!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delightfully comforting dish that can be served in various ways. It pairs beautifully with different sides and toppings, enhancing its rich flavors and creating a satisfying meal.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A classic pairing that never goes out of style. The melty cheese complements the acidity of the soup perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Basil

Sprinkle some extra chopped basil on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.

With Mini Croutons

Add homemade mini croutons made from small cubes of bread, drizzled with olive oil and baked until crispy. They add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.

Served with a Drizzle of Olive Oil

A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the soup’s richness and adds depth to its flavor.

Accompanied by a Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad balances the richness of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal. Try a lemon vinaigrette for an extra zing.

How to Perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Achieving the perfect Roasted Tomato Basil Soup involves paying attention to key details during preparation. Here are some tips to make your soup stand out.

Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor. The sweetness from ripe tomatoes enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Don’t Rush the Roasting: Allowing the tomatoes to roast fully caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a deeper flavor profile.
Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh basil and thyme elevates the aroma and taste. Dried herbs don’t provide the same vibrancy.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add more chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels throughout cooking for balanced seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

To create a complete meal, consider pairing your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A gooey grilled cheese sandwich is an iconic pairing that brings comfort to every bite.
Simple Green Salad
Fresh greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich soup.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create an elegant touch.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Flavorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables can be very satisfying alongside the soup.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a tasty appetizer that pairs well with your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup is perfect every time.

Bold preparation: Forgetting to prep your ingredients can slow you down. Chop your onions and garlic in advance to make the cooking process smoother.
Bold roasting time: Under-roasting the tomatoes will prevent you from achieving that deep, rich flavor. Make sure to roast them for a full hour to bring out their natural sweetness.
Bold blending technique: Using the wrong blending method can lead to splatters or an uneven texture. Use an immersion blender for easy pureeing right in the pot.
Bold seasoning oversight: Skipping the seasoning adjustments may yield bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar levels before serving.
Bold storage mistakes: Not storing leftovers correctly can spoil your delicious soup. Use airtight containers and store in the fridge promptly after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Oven: Preheat at 350°F and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Stovetop: Gently simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup that might help you perfect your dish.

What makes Roasted Tomato Basil Soup so flavorful?

Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and brings out a deeper flavor, making the soup rich and satisfying.

Can I substitute fresh basil?

Yes, if fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil. However, reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How can I make this soup vegan?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How long does Roasted Tomato Basil Soup last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; it pairs wonderfully with sandwiches or crusty bread!